Update (July 24, 2019): After going missing following an attack by several girls in Chicago, Janise Harris has been found.
Harris, whose attack was circulated in a video on social media earlier this week, is safe and sound, according to her family.
she’s safe ???? thank god and your prayers ! pic.twitter.com/Skiw0JCkeV
— sharii ???? (@sharii41886239) July 23, 2019
Earlier this week, the intellectually disabled 15-year-old was attacked by a group of girls, one of whom posted the video on social media which has since been removed. Chicago Police are now also investigating the incident.
Chicago Police Chief Communications Officer Anthony Guglielmi tweeted about the graphic video: “This is beyond disturbing to watch and this young girl deserves far better. This clip has been forwarded to the #ChicagoPolice Special Victims Unit and a criminal investigation has been opened.”
No suspects have been identified, but according to Heavy.com, one of the attackers posted a video saying they are sorry for what took place. Several of the girls have reportedly received multiple death threats.
Harris and her family and friends continue to receive an outpouring of support on social media, as people use #JusticeForJanise to draw attention to her attack.
Original: A concerned teen turned to social media after her mentally disabled friend has gone missing after she was jumped by a group of bullies.
The friend, who goes by Tyla, posted footage of the assault on Monday and pleaded for people to share it so her friend, Janise Harris, could receive justice, reports The Hollywood Unlocked.
These girls jumped my friend Janise Harris who has a mental disability that has been progressing since the passing of her mother, I know this won’t blow up since I’m a small account but please, share and rt! I want justice for my friend, she didn’t deserve any of this. pic.twitter.com/yq3OkOlTkq
— ???????????????? *+????????♂️ (@D4MURE) July 23, 2019
“These girls jumped my friend Janise Harris who has a mental disability that has been progressing since the passing of her mother,” she wrote on Twitter. “I know this won’t blow up since I’m a small account but please, share and rt! I want justice for my friend, she didn’t deserve any of this.”
According to Tyla, the girls offered to help escort Harris to the “redline” to get close to her. When Harris accepted the help, one of the assailants struck her.
“On the way there they jumped her for supposedly ‘calling the police’ on them, you can hear the girl yell it in the video,” Tyla continued.
“When Janise does things she can’t fully comprehend what she’s doing, she has a disability, she’s been in and out of hospitals and she’s even had a therapist at school. She doesn’t know better and the fact that these girls jumped her sickens me.”
According to Tyla’s timeline, Harris is still missing and was last seen on Saturday.
Update: I just got a call and apparently someone saw janise at the water tower Saturday wearing the same clothing, so that must have meant she’s been missing since then. @Chicago_Police
@NBCChicagoPD— ???????????????? *+????????♂️ (@D4MURE) July 23, 2019
A woman who identified herself as Harris’ sister confirmed the 15-year-old is missing.
This is my sister Janise Harris. She’s 15 years old and has a metal disability. She goes to the Muchin College Prep. Yesterday she was beaten up yesterday by a group of girls and haven’t been seen since. If you have any information please call/text 7087594511 ???? #justiceforjanise
pic.twitter.com/G5PZ5vwHjW— sharii ???? (@sharii41886239) July 23, 2019
“This is my sister Janise Harris. She’s 15 years old and has a [mental] disability,” she wrote. “She goes to the Muchin College Prep. Yesterday she was beaten up yesterday by a group of girls and haven’t been seen since.”
Another person claims that Harris was sexually assaulted by friends of the girls who jumped her and that she might be staying at a friend’s house.
Blavity reached out to Harris' sister for comment but has not yet received a response.