An update from CNY Central revealed that the school district responded, confirming that Superintendent Anthony Davis has viewed the security footage. The district spokesperson also mentioned that the school guards were unaware of the severity of the teacher’s injuries while escorting the mother and grandmother out of the school on February 16.
Reading from a prepared statement, Superintendent Anthony Davis of the Syracuse City School District recounted the violent assault on a teacher at Lincoln Middle School on February 20, four days after the incident took place. The incident involved a parent, Lynzina Sutton, who arrived at the school with an older relative during school arrival time. Despite Sutton disguising herself with a hoodie and blending in with students due to her height, security managed to stop the relative accompanying her from entering beyond security.
However, the suspect’s grandmother, Roxanne Thompkins, who now faces assault and burglary charges and potentially seven years in prison, claimed that the school entrance was propped open on that morning. Thompkins mentioned showing videos of the security footage capturing parts of their entrance and exit on February 16. These videos indicated the doors being propped open, contrary to the usual buzzing entry procedure she had to follow in the past.
Thompkins described the security footage, where she and her daughter were escorted out of the school by security, contradicting the police assertion that Sutton fled after the assault. While the Syracuse Police only arrested Sutton at 2:30 p.m., videos showed the duo being led out around 7:30 a.m. The school district refrained from confirming if Superintendent Davis had viewed these videos, stating that investigations regarding the suspect’s departure from the school are ongoing.
Following a school board meeting, Davis explained on Wednesday that during school arrival times, doors often remain open for multiple students entering the building. However, he clarified that no intentional action was taken to prevent the door from closing. He mentioned that the circumstances regarding the suspect’s departure continue to be examined.
Nicole Capsello, the president of the Syracuse Teachers Association, refrained from providing comments due to the ongoing investigation.