Family of Teen Accused of Stabbing Classmate Says He's No Bully

By Jon Jordan, NEWS 9

NORMAN, Oklahoma -- A 15-year-old accused of stabbing a fellow Norman High School student appeared in court Thursday, but the suspect's family said the bullying accusations against him are false.

Norman police arrested Demeleo Lee for assault and battery with a deadly weapon Wednesday. Police said Lee stabbed a classmate twice in the stomach across the street from the school in a Homeland parking lot.

Family members said the incident was the result of bullying.

Lee's family said their 15-year-old son may be a lot of things, but a bully isn't one of them.

"My son's been the victim of bullying for many years, so if anyone can tell you about bullying it's my kid," said Dorothy Morales, Lee's mother.

Morales said the past 24 hours have been frustrating, seeing her son's name getting dragged through the mud.

"This is a 15-year-old kid, like other 15-year-old kids, happy go lucky, good in school, good friends who has never been a bully and has never been accused of being a bully," Morales said.

But the victim's family said the fear their son had for Lee was proof enough.

"He was afraid to go to school. He wouldn't go to school. He refused to go to school. My husband made him go to school this morning, and he was kicking and screaming and didn't want to go and we agreed we promised him that we would take care of you and not let anything happen to him. He does not know that his brother has been harmed," said Tami Maus, the victim's mother.

The school district said the allegations of bullying are being investigated, and that bullying is an issue they take very seriously.

"As a school district, all schools we need to be working on this issue of student civility in schools, how students treat each other and continue to make that a priority," said Joe Siano, Norman School District Superintendent.

Schools officials said though they were aware of the bullying concerns, it's unlikely they could have prevented the stabbing from happening.

The 16-year-old victim received treatment at a local hospital and is recovering at home, said a family member.

Police detectives will pursue formal charges through the appropriate juvenile authorities and the district attorney's office.

More:

• Norman Stabbing Suspect Arrested, Teen Victim Recovering
• Family Says School Stabbing Spurred by Bullying