Texas Teen Lied About Being Attacked Over Homework Assignment

School footage reveals that the student who alleged she was attacked over her homework assignment where she made a sign protesting illegal immigration actually fabricated the entire story. Charges have been filed against the girl.

Melanie Bowers,13, drew national attention from the horrific story describing her physical attack and threats of rape and death all because she created a sign for a class project protesting illegal immigration. It appears the young girl created more than the sign. A Tyler news report stated that charges were being filed against Bowers for filing a false report after school administrators viewed surveillance tape. On the tape, Bowers was seen scratching herself on the arms, neck and face and then proceeding as if nothing happened moments after the "alleged" attack occurred. Melanie confessed to making up the attack after the video was shown to her parents, who, together with school officials, confronted her with the information. Her parents are in agreement with the charges filed against their daughter and have apologized for their daughter's behavior. In a statement released by her mother, Shera Bowers said "I see my daughter was not assaulted, and put the marks on her body. No gang violence as witnessed. She filed a false report." The video did show that the sign was taken from Melanie and that she reported the incident to a teacher. The students who took the sign were suspended from school for the day. A far cry from being attacked, threatened with rape or death.