2 Michigan high school students charged in videotaped attack

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By Beth Boehne

WAYLAND, Mich. (AP) — Two female high school students from western Michigan who were videotaped attacking a classmate were charged with aggravated assault on Wednesday.

Crystal VanderLaan and Sydnee Rae Longhurst are accused of beating a Wayland Union High School classmate on June 10 as another student, who has not been charged, videotaped the attack.

The video was posted on the Internet shortly after school ended, said Wayland Police Chief Dan Miller.

The attack also was caught on tape by a security camera at the school. The victim suffered bruises, according to the police report.

VanderLaan has been expelled, her attorney said. Longhurst has moved out of the school district and could not be disciplined by the school board at its Monday meeting.

The girls face one count each of aggravated assault in Allegan County Family Court. If convicted, they face a maximum of one year in a juvenile detention facility and a $1,000 fine.

VanderLaan and Longhurst were upset over the victim's public displays of affection, according to the police report. The victim told police she believes it was because of her sexual orientation.

VanderLaan's defense attorney, James Dimitriou II, says his client is not "an anti-gay person."

Longhurst did not have an attorney on record with the court.

Dimitriou says his client will ask to return to school after meeting the board's requirements, which include completing anger management training and making restitution to the victim. She is eligible to return after 180 school days.

A pretrial hearing on the assault charges is scheduled for July 21.

Thursday, Jul 3 at 11:20 AM JJ wrote ...

Their parents should have to pay the $1000.00 and the girls should spend a year in jail. I've seen this kind of crap too many times and I blame the parents!!

Thursday, Jul 3 at 11:09 AM Linda wrote ...

In short, people need to mind their own business! The girls deserve to be jailed and fined both. Maybe they will learn to act a little more mature!

Thursday, Jul 3 at 12:47 AM MM wrote ...

i am against anti gay violence. i am also against public displays of gay affection. some times with straight people it gets creepy. lets live and let live and be respectful of others. that goes for pro gay and anti gay people.

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