A troubling incident involving a 13-year-old boy from Bogalusa, Louisiana, has raised serious concerns about youth safety, racial dynamics, and accountability within community and church led activities.
According to a public Facebook post by Alicia Battie, the teen, her son, and, reportedly, the only African American child on a church bus traveling from Bogalusa to Tylertown returned home injured after an event, with his family still unclear about what exactly transpired.
Battie shared that her son had already faced setbacks earlier in his young life after being forced to stop playing basketball due to a school policy.
At just 13 years old, he was reportedly told he could no longer participate in basketball unless he transferred to BCS, a move the family did not make.
Instead, Battie said they encouraged their son to stay involved in positive alternatives, including community and church events.
It was during one such event in Tylertown that the incident occurred.
In her post, Battie described receiving limited and confusing information about what happened to her son.
What she was told, she said, suggested that the family was expected to simply return home despite his injuries.
More alarmingly, she claimed she was warned that continuing to question the situation or speak up could result in jail time if the other party chose to “retaliate,” noting that authorities allegedly emphasized that children can be taken to jail at age 13.
Battie expressed deep concern over what she described as unusual handling of the situation by both the church and the Bogalusa Police Department.
She stated that despite repeated attempts to get clarification, no one was able or willing to explain how her son was injured.
Even the church pastor, she said, was unable to provide answers, explaining that he was not present at the time of the incident.
“My focus is my son’s well-being,” Battie wrote, adding that his injuries were serious enough to potentially require a hospital visit.
She emphasized her determination to uncover the truth, stating that she is prepared to endure public backlash if that is what it takes to protect her child and ensure accountability.
Battie announced plans to meet with Sheriff Smith to demand a clear explanation of what occurred and to learn what steps should have been taken to safeguard her son during the trip.
The post grabbed attention and support from community members, many of whom expressed shock, concern, and anger over the allegations.
One commenter, Staci Metts, asked,
Somebody at a church put hands on him?
Staci Metts
Tiffany Reid Boswell suggested that evidence may exist, writing,
Somebody has video. These kids record everything
Tffany Red Boswell
Others focused on the child’s well-being. “Lord have mercy. How David doing?? Call me,” wrote Stacie Batiste, reflecting the personal concern shared by those who know the family.
Several commenters urged immediate legal action. Cardale Carter stated, “I hope u find out who did this,” while Slan Lee offered more detailed advice:
File your own police report as soon as possible It will be he say she say Criminally the police in small towns do not want to push the issues because they don’t want to handle paper work or charge kids If your son was injured and harassed then they need be charged with hazing
Slan Lee
Janicia Brumfield also extended personal support, commenting, “Call me if you need me.”
As of now, no official public statement has been released by the church or local law enforcement addressing the claims.
The situation continues to unfold, with Battie insisting that silence and vague explanations are unacceptable when a child’s safety is involved.
