A Teen’s Fight Leads to Severe Brain Damage
A juvenile officer testified that 15-year-old Maurnice Declue retaliated against Missouri teen Kaylee Gain after enduring prolonged bullying, claiming that Gain initiated the physical altercation that resulted in Declue causing severe brain damage to Gain.
On March 8, a brawl between Gain and Declue near their St. Louis high school left Gain in a coma. The viral video of the incident showed Declue repeatedly slamming Gain’s head into the pavement while onlookers watched in shock.
Declue faces felony assault charges and is currently in custody at the St. Louis juvenile detention center.
During a hearing at St. Louis Family Court, it was decided that Declue should remain in the juvenile court system for now. The judge will make the final decision in the coming week. Declue will stay in detention until her trial due to safety concerns following threats against her related to the video of the fight.
Testimonies revealed that Gain initiated the fight with Declue and had a history of violence, having been suspended for fighting another girl the day before. Witnesses, including their teachers, vouched for Declue’s good behavior in the past.
Gain suffered significant injuries from the fight, with prosecutors describing it as a brutal attack. Gain’s stepmother shared that she is undergoing extensive rehabilitation to relearn basic skills.
Declue’s mother expressed regret over the incident, stating that her daughter acted in self-defense. Gain has shown improvement but still requires further surgeries to address the damage to her skull.
Kaylee underwent a craniectomy to relieve brain pressure, but the missing portion of her skull has not been reattached yet. She continues to experience memory loss and wears a helmet for protection.
