Edmonton police are warning students about making inappropriate comments on social networking sites such as Facebook. The warning comes after six students were suspended from St. Joseph High School after they lashed out against those responsible for the death of a 17-year-old boy.
Police say inappropriate messages on sites such as Facebook can lead to criminal charges.
Two teens CTV News spoke with are paying the price for their harsh comments posted on Facebook.
Mishayla Rocque is devastated by the death of her friend 17-year-old Niko Arlia of Edmonton. The Medical Examiner's Office has determined Arlia died as the result of a stabbing.
A 19-year-old Edmonton man has now been charged with the second-degree murder of the 17-year-old male.
The 17-year-old boy lost his life after a north-end hall party turned violent this weekend.
Rocque posted a message to his alleged attacker saying they are 'done'.
Amber Schall, who has also been suspended, admits she was wrong in writing the message.
Police say such messages can escalate quickly.
"If a young person is on the Internet and they are making comments that are threatening in nature, they need to realize we could be looking at criminal charges, unwarranted retaliation because of their comments as well as hampering an ongoing police investigation," said Sgt. Kelly Rosnau, school resource officer.
Another teen told CTV News she did post a message but deleted it seconds later because she didn't want to get into trouble.
"I said, 'I love you Niko and everything and promise you Niko...and I promise you those people are going to be dead don't worry,'" said Tasmine Gagnon.
Rocque and Schall are suspended with a recommendation for expulsion. Their parents have five days to appeal that.
But, Rocque's mother told CTV News she won't be appealing because she is seeking a fresh start for her daughter who is grieving the loss of her good friend.
Kevin Moffett, 19, of Edmonton has been charged with the second degree murder of Arlia as well as a weapons offence in connection with the boy's death.
Police are still trying to determine what sparked the disturbance. Friends say Arlia knew his alleged attacker and that their fight stemmed from the past.
Three other people were injured in the incident.
Officers asking anyone with information on the incident to come forward and contact them at (780) 423-4567.
With files from Serena Mah
