Rape charges dropped against an 18-year-old man because his accuser committed suicide

NEW BOSTON, Mich. (WXYZ) - A grieving mother was held back by relatives as she screamed obscenities at the 18-year-old accused of raping her daughter. Those charges were dropped Wednesday because the 14-year-old girl had taken her own life.

June Justice screamed "My daughter's dead you _____," as Joe Tarnopolski left court in Romulus. The encounter came just minutes after the prosecution dropped charges against Tarnopolski without predjudice.

Justice's 14-year-old daughter, Samantha Kelly, had accused Tarnopolski of raping her two months ago. The Huron High School student took her own life Monday. Friends say she committed suicide because she could not handle the bullying that came after charges were filed.

The prosecutor's office says the charges were dropped because, "Without the victim, we're unable to go forward with the case." The decision left June Justice livid.

Giving a very emotional statement after Wednesday's hearing, she said, "My daughter did not get any justice before this and she ain't getting justice now."

"They took me in another room to talk to a prosecutor while they could dismiss my daughter's case without me knowing," she said. "I asked to speak with the judge, he would not speak to me and this is our justice system. My daughter is dead at 14. An 18-year-old talked her into having sex and then, when she wanted to leave, would not let her and raped her and because she did not say 'no,' we have no case because she's dead and he don't have the right to talk to her it's being dismissed."

Justice says she doesn't understand why the case is being dismissed because there are so many other cases of different types that go forward when victims are too young or too ill.

Tarnopolski has been free on bond and back to classes at Huron High. Kids in school have taken sides. Students say Kelly was teased, taunted and ignored.

“People were saying just not to go by her,” said one student.

Another student said Tarnopolski was getting targeted too.

“He said he felt bad because everyone in here was on his side more than hers,” said the 15-year-old student.

Justice complained and met with the school administration more than once. The principal and superintendent tell Action News, the 14-year-old girl was given a pass to come to the office any time she felt threatened, and the principal would patrol the hallway near her locker during passing time.

Friends got the news in class Tuesday morning that Kelly had died.

“I had to leave because I was crying. She was my friend,” said one 15-year-old student.

Another friend told Action News she spoke to the Kelly Monday.

"She told me she couldn't take the stress anymore," said the friend.

Family members are still trying to work out funeral arrangements. A team of counselors are at the high school to help students deal with their emotions.

Experts say children who are bullied are often lonely, sad and withdrawn. They may visit the school nurse several times without having anything medically wrong. Students who are hesitant to walk to the bus stop or who exhibit behavior changes may also be victims of bullying.

Resources are available for children who feel bullied. Girls Empowered and Boys Empowered are two web sites that can help kids deal with and put a stop to bullying.