Hawaiians confront teen bullies who mercilessly attacked disabled woman
The bullies - aged 13, 14, 16, and 18 - were hunted down after video emerged of them beating the woman, named only as Carly, in April.
It sparked widespread anger among the Wahiawa community, who decided to track down the culprits and confront them.
The video shows the teens surrounding the confused woman, 21, who tried to shield herself as she was kicked and punched in the head.
The victim remained crouched on the ground and did not fight back as the attackers take turns assaulting her, with local spokesman Michael Kitchens branding their behavior 'evil.'
The community members livestreamed themselves as they went looking for the bullies at their homes, with as many as 11,000 people watching at one point, as reported by Hawaii News Now.
Footage shows dozens of students and parents heading to the suspects' residences, with someone climbing up a building's exterior at one point. The vigilantes knocked on their doors and demanded the bullies show their faces.
The eldest bully in the group, 18-year-old Jasmine Keola, spoke to KHON2 as she was released from jail on Thursday after chargers against her were dropped.
'It was incidents on the bus that happened and it just got way out of hand. So I took it upon myself, I got pressured actually to fighting the girl,' Keola claimed.
'I didn't want to fight her. but I did anyway. So I talked to her, but again I'm sorry for what I did. I didn't mean to do it.'
Keola's excuse was met with derision by locals who say she's shown little remorse and now seems keen to try to play the victim.
The other teen bullies were also released from jail as the case against them was dismissed.
But investigators say this is only because they need to gather further evidence.
The mother of two of the teens involved also apologized, saying: 'I just wanted to apologize to the family of the girl that got hurt in that video.
'And I didn't mean for it to go this far. But I apologize for my children's actions and I hope that you guys can forgive my kids.'
The bullies attend Leilehua High School and Wahiawa Middle School. The school district said it is co-operating with authorities.
The victim's family told local media they were also shocked to see the video, as the young woman never told them about the assault.
They issued a statement thanking the public for their support and also asking people to refrain from seeking revenge.
'The family would like to sincerely thank friends, family and the public for the outpouring of love, support, and concern during this incredibly difficult time,' their statement read.
'Your kind words and compassion have meant more to them than they can expressed in words.
'At this moment, the family respectfully ask for their privacy as they try to process what has happened and figure out their next steps.
'They are still coming to terms with everything, and need time and space to do so. In the meantime, we ask not to contact the family.
'The family also kindly asks that no one retaliate or act out against any of the other parties involved.'
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