D.C. Police say they are investigating the death of a 17-year-old Ballou High School student after they say he was attacked in a classroom earlier this month.

Joevon Smith died on Monday after police say in their report the student was struck several times in his face and body by two other students after he told them he would not let them use his cell phone.

D.C. Police say they are awaiting results from an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Family members tell FOX 5 they have no doubt he died from the attack and say he had been bullied at school.

Mayor Bowser confirmed the student's death but was not able to discuss details. "We did, unfortunately, have a student who passed away. We don't know yet and are not prepared to talk about what if anything happened at the school," she said.

Joevon's sister tells FOX 5 that her brother had been bullied and worries not enough was done to protect her brother.


D.C. Deputy Mayor of Public safety tells FOX 5 he had been waiting on autopsy results.

"Obviously, we are concerned about that student, the student's family and the larger school community," said Mayor Bowser.