New Orleans Mother Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Archdiocese Over Son's Suicide
A suburban New Orleans woman, Sara Brannon, has initiated a wrongful death lawsuit against the Roman Catholic archdiocese of New Orleans, following the tragic suicide of her 17-year-old son, Devon Shelton. The lawsuit alleges that Rummel High School in Metairie, Louisiana, was negligent in its handling of Shelton's case, particularly after he was expelled over what he described as a shoving match with a campus bully.
Details of the Incident and Expulsion
According to the legal filing, the events unfolded on March 17, 2025, after Shelton, a junior at Rummel High School, participated in a St. Patrick's Day parade with the school's marching band. He reported to his mother and former stepfather, Rick Ford, that he had been involved in a physical altercation with another student who had been bullying him. Despite Ford's encouragement to report the bullying to school administrators, Shelton had previously hesitated, fearing retaliation.
The next day, school officials summoned Brannon and Ford to a meeting, where the principal accused Shelton of shoving the other boy against a locker in an attempt to start a fight. Additionally, the principal disclosed for the first time that Shelton had attended band practice days earlier with the smell of alcohol on his breath, having allegedly admitted to drinking at home before school. Based on these incidents, Rummel High School decided to expel Shelton immediately.
Allegations of Negligence and Prior Mental Health Issues
The lawsuit contends that the school was aware of Shelton's history of mental health struggles, including previous expressions of suicidal ideation to a friend. As a result, he had been required to complete six months of external counseling during his freshman year in 2023. Despite this knowledge, the school allegedly failed to provide any support or alternative solutions, such as allowing him to complete the school year virtually.
Ford reportedly pleaded with the principal, stating, "Rummel is Devon's life ... How can you treat him like this? There must be another solution." The principal responded by suggesting that Shelton find another school, citing a lack of improvement. The lawsuit argues that the school did not adhere to its own student handbook policies regarding expulsion and bullying protocols.
Tragic Outcome and Legal Proceedings
After the expulsion, Brannon drove Shelton to Ford's house, where he later locked himself in a room. Upon hearing a strange noise, Ford and his nephew attempted to check on Shelton, but found the door locked. Forcing entry, Ford discovered that Shelton had accessed a hidden weapon and died by suicide. The lawsuit claims that the school failed to offer any assistance in the aftermath of the expulsion, contributing to the tragic outcome.
The Roman Catholic archdiocese of New Orleans, which oversees Rummel High School, declined to comment on the lawsuit, citing a policy against discussing pending litigation. However, a spokesperson expressed prayers for Shelton's family and friends. The lawsuit was filed in state court just before a one-year deadline, with attorney Richard Trahant representing Brannon. Trahant has previously represented claimants in sexual abuse cases against the archdiocese, which filed for bankruptcy in 2020 amid clergy molestation scandals.
Background and Community Impact
Shelton's online obituary highlighted his passions as a dedicated marching band musician, playing multiple instruments, and his involvement in varsity bowling and charitable activities. His death underscores the serious association between bullying, depression, and suicide, as noted in peer-reviewed studies referenced in the lawsuit.
This case adds to the archdiocese's legal challenges, following a recent $305 million settlement with approximately 600 abuse survivors in December. The lawsuit seeks damages for mental anguish and physical pain and suffering, emphasizing the need for better support systems in educational institutions to prevent such tragedies.
