Parents speak out after hearing tied to Mathis High School assault case

With a recent similar case in San Patricio County, the parents say the situation highlights the importance of advocacy.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Two parents who asked to remain anonymous are speaking out after a closed hearing Monday at the San Patricio County Courthouse.

The hearing involved another teen believed to be connected to a case in which their son was allegedly restrained on the Mathis High School campus last year.

The parents said they are devastated by what happened but were pleased with the outcome of the hearing.

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“The aggressor cannot be on campus, not have to see these students who did what they did to him. Unfortunately, the school district did not act, and so we had to bring this to court,” they said.

With a recent similar case in San Patricio County, the parents say the situation highlights the importance of advocacy.

“This case actually occurred before the Odem case. However, Odem ISD took action before Mathis ISD took action, which was very disappointing,” they said.

The parents say the situation goes beyond district accountability and serves as a warning for other families.

“Speak to the kids around your children, too, because our child—we would speak to him every day, but he was scared to tell us. Look for signs. Look for signs as to when things look different,” they said.