It is really good to see you in print, Mama. And don't be too hard on Nitro, I had the same thought cross my mind when I saw her picture. It is usually the shy, misfits, and less attractive who draw the predators. Not diminishing the severity or horror of the event at all.
This is not a new phenom, but seems to be more in the public eye lately. I was bullied some in school...always a new guy... especially in Hawaii. Some kids can deal with it, some can't. Like you said, support at home is crucial but unfortunately, not always enough. A lot of kids define too much of who they are by their friends and their popularity. The challenge for adults, parents and educators, is to help them feel good about who they are.
MamaCharlie is just now updating me on some of the particulars in this case and I guess the other side of the equation, the tormentors, are the main problem here. It is a sad deal in any community when people don't feel a part of life and get ridiculed for it.