NewsWSVN 7 MiamiOctober 28, 2026Miami-Dade County
Mother retains lawyer and demands answers after 11-year-old daughter is assaulted in Miami Beach middle school brawl
Photo: WSVN 7 Miami
An 11-year-old student was physically assaulted by another student in a cafeteria brawl at Nautilus Middle School on September 24 following a dispute over cheerleading tryouts. The victim's mother has retained an attorney and is demanding accountability from school officials for alleged negligence, while the district states staff attempted to de-escalate prior tensions before responding to the altercation.
Read the full story at WSVN 7 MiamiWhy It Matters
An 11-year-old student sustained over 40 strikes to the head during a school cafeteria brawl that the victim's legal representation alleges was preventable due to prior unaddressed conflicts.
Key Facts
- An 11-year-old female student was assaulted by another student in a cafeteria brawl at Nautilus Middle School on September 24.
- Cellphone video captured the attacker putting an arm around the victim's head and striking her repeatedly.
- The victim's mother stated her daughter was struck over 40 times on the head during the incident.
- The victim's mother believes the attack stemmed from a dispute over making the school cheerleading team.
- The victim's attorney, Gina Raijman, stated the school was previously placed on notice regarding ongoing issues between the students.
- Miami-Dade County Public Schools stated that staff had met with the students prior to the incident to de-escalate the conflict.
- School administration and Miami-Dade Schools Police responded immediately when the altercation occurred.
- The matter was addressed according to the code of student conduct and referred to law enforcement.
- The victim has not returned to school since the incident.
- The alleged attacker is expected to appear in juvenile court on Thursday.