The Linden Police Department’s investigation of a 9-year-old girl’s suicide has closed, with authorities unable to substantiate claims made by her family that bullying caused her to take her own life.

Chief Robert Alston of the Linden Police Department said Dec. 28 that after speaking with several teachers and faculty members at U.S. Jones Elementary School, he was unable to confirm any reports othat McKenzie Adams, who hung herself Dec. 3, had been bullied at her school.

"The only thing that is concrete and evident is that she did commit suicide," Alston said.

Alston said the case has reached its end from his perspective.

"At this standpoint, the school is denying any report was made to them of bullying and, so far, we haven’t been able to prove that there was any report made to them," he said.

Adams’ aunt, Eddwina Harris, previously told The Tuscaloosa News that McKenzie, who had been attending U.S. Jones in Demopolis since 2015, had been bullied at school for months, claiming that part of the bullying stemmed from her relationship to a white student.

"She was being bullied the entire school year, with words such as ‘Kill yourself,’ ‘You think you’re white because you ride with that white boy,’ ‘You ugly,’ ‘Black b-tch,’ ‘Just die’," Harris said.

After McKenzie’s death, Demopolis City Schools conducted an investigation of the family’s claims as the Linden Police Department was looking into the case. On Dec. 11, the school system released a statement claiming they were unable to find any evidence that McKenzie had been bullied.

"We have concluded our internal investigation to the allegations of bullying which led to this senseless death. There have been no findings of any reports of bullying by either the student or family. The findings of this internal investigation are consistent with the results of the investigation of the Linden (Alabama) Police Department at this point in time," according to the statement.

McKenzie's mother, Jasmine, told CBS 42 that her daughter had told teachers about problems she was having with bullying at different times.

Alston said that part of the investigation involved speaking to nine faculty members at U.S. Jones, which included Principal Tori Infinger as well as several teachers and coaches at the school.

"We didn’t get any report from any of them saying that a report was made to them, so that’s where we’re at," he said.

Alston said the department also interviewed several students, both inside McKenzie's classroom and out, to verify bullying claims but could not find anyone who had witnessed her being bullied.

However, Alston, who knows McKenzie's family through her sister, said he does not have any reason to believe that the family’s claims are not true.

"I’m not saying they’re making false allegations," he said. "They may have made reports to the school; we just don’t have anything in writing."

During the case, the Linden PD worked alongside the Demopolis Police Department. Alston also said that agents with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of Investigation reviewed the department’s work on the case.

"They took a look at my file and said, ‘You’ve done pretty much the same thing we would have done,’" he said.

On Dec. 17, several parents went to the Demopolis Board of Education meeting to address the issue of bullying at school. In a story published by The West Alabama Watchman, parent Nikki Carter said she had one son who had been a victim of bullying in school, although the name of the school was not mentioned.

"It breaks my heart that everything my son has to say about school is negative," Carter said. "I've been dealing with this bullying at school for years."

During the meeting, the Watchman reported that Carter asked for the school system to implement a detailed policy on bullying. Braswell responded to Carter by saying the school system has a comprehensive manual of policies and procedures covering intimidation and harassment.

News of McKenzie's death spread on social media and through news organizations, with coverage pointing to the deadly effects bullying can have. Since her death, Harris started a group called The McKenzie Foundation to advocate for better laws and policies against bullying. Since it was started earlier this month, the organization has raised more than $11,000 through a GoFundMe page.

"God has blessed me to help others with my platform, and now it’s time to help. There are so many voiceless kids," Harris told The Tuscaloosa News on Dec. 8. "God is opening great doors for justice for my niece."

In addition, an online petition was recently started to encourage Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall investigate McKenzie's death and how the school system dealt with the alleged bullying against her. The petition has received nearly 46,000 supporters on www.thepetitionsite.com.

In addition, Alston said it is important for the public to let Adams’ family grieve in peace.

"What is most important is not to spread malicious stories that have no truth to them and without any proof," he said. "You must be careful with that because you have to take into consideration this family. Regardless of what people might think may have happened or may have caused it, refrain from spreading rumors and let this family be in peace as much as possible."

Attempts to reach Harris and Jasmine Adams this week were unsuccessful.

Those dealing with bullying can visit www.stopbullying.gov, which has resources regarding bullying prevention and solutions. Those struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts are encouraged to call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or text "HOME" to the Crisis Text Line at 741741.

Reach Drew Taylor at drew.taylor@tuscaloosanews.com or 205-722-0204.