11-year-old charged after Miami Beach middle school cafeteria fight

An 11-year-old girl has been charged with second-degree felony aggravated battery following an attack at Nautilus Middle School in Miami Beach, CBS News Miami reported. The incident, which occurred on September 24 in the school's cafeteria, was captured on cellphone video showing the victim being repeatedly struck.

The victim's mother reported that her daughter sustained head injuries, including a scalp laceration, as a result of the attack. Emotional scenes unfolded outside the courtroom during the suspect's court appearance, where the judge ordered no contact between the suspect and the victim, including on social media platforms.

The suspect's mother told the court she had withdrawn her daughter from the school, citing a lack of administrative support. Miami-Dade County Public Schools stated that staff had met with the students involved before the fight to try to de-escalate tensions and responded immediately when the incident occurred.

The victim's family has retained an attorney and is considering legal action against the Miami-Dade County School Board, alleging the school administration was aware of the impending conflict and failed to protect the student. Trial for the case is scheduled for December 21.