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Family says investigators ignored evidence against principal accused of threatening student

ALLEGHENY COUNTY, Pa. — Demonstrators renewed calls for charges to be filed Wednesday against the principal of Woodland Hills High School.

Kevin Murray was placed on paid leave last month after a recording surfaced of him allegedly threatening a student with special needs. The 14-year-old student made the recording in April 2016.

In the recording, Murray is allegedly heard threatening to punch the student, adding that if it ever went to court, it would be his word versus the boy’s.

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Vernessa Hines said Wednesday night that when her son first came to her with claims about Murray harassing him, she questioned it.

“I didn't fully believe him. Sometimes kids fool around and get in trouble. There’s two sides to the story,” she said.

Hines said after she heard the audio recording, her opinion changed.

“When I heard the video, it was different. He was threatening,” she said.

The Allegheny County District Attorney’s Office reviewed the case and decided not to file charges against Murray. The district announced last week that Murray will soon be reinstated as principal.

Supporters of the student in the middle of the situation showed up at Wednesday’s school board meeting to protest that decision.

Hines also made new claims about the investigation, saying investigators ignored evidence.

“(Murray) kicked (my son) once that I know of,” she said.

Hines added that Murray used a racial slur when speaking with her son.

Phil DiLucente, Murray’s attorney, questioned why Hines brought up the new details now.

“There is no record of this whatsoever,” he said. “For this to come out after the DA made his decision, one has to ask, why is this being brought up?”

When asked about the new claims, Hines’ attorney pointed to a document, which says it was written in the DA’s office on Dec. 13.

Hines’ attorney said the document shows the office knew about the latest accusations before the DA made the decision not to charge Murray.

The DA’s office declined to comment on whether the document was used in the investigation.

Hines said she just wants answers and justice for her teenage son.

“We're going through so much,” she said.