Deshler, Alabama, October 9, 2025
News Summary
Madison County District Attorney Robert Broussard announced the closure of the investigation into the injury of August Borden, a Deshler High School student. Despite serious injuries sustained during the incident on August 19, which included brain damage and broken orbital bones, the investigation concluded that no criminal charges would be filed as it was characterized as a ‘freak accident.’ The investigation involved 17 interviews, revealing no evidence of criminal conduct. The incident has drawn significant attention from the community and raised concerns regarding student safety.
Deshler, Alabama – Madison County District Attorney Robert Broussard announced on Wednesday that no criminal charges will be filed in the case of August Borden, a Deshler High School student who suffered serious injuries during an incident on August 19. The decision comes after a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Borden’s injury, which was initially reported to involve potential assault.
The investigation, conducted after Colbert County officials recused themselves due to a conflict of interest, examined various aspects of the incident. According to Broussard, the findings revealed no evidence to support any criminal conduct and the case has been officially closed. The District Attorney characterized the incident as “typical high school banter” lacking malice and referred to it as a “freak accident.”
August Borden reportedly fell on uneven concrete steps, leading to significant injuries, including brain damage and broken orbital bones. During the investigation, Chief Deputy District Attorney Tim Gann noted that although Borden’s injuries were consistent with an assault, their inquiry confirmed that no assault had occurred. Borden supplied essential information during the investigation; however, he does not recall the details of the incident itself.
A thorough investigation was conducted, which included 17 interviews, eight of which were with eyewitnesses. Additionally, investigators reviewed real-time text messages to piece together the events leading up to Borden’s injury. The identities of individuals involved in the incident, including the “subject of interest,” have not been released due to their juvenile status.
Following the decision by the District Attorney’s Office, Borden’s family expressed their disappointment regarding the lack of criminal prosecution but were open to the information provided during the investigation. Confusion surrounding the incident had previously arisen, with the school initially stating that Borden had fallen, while other reports indicated he was injured as a result of interaction with another student.
The situation has garnered significant public attention, prompting a demand for an examination by the Tuscumbia Police force. Additionally, a podcast discussing the events surrounding the incident and sharing Jason Borden’s experiences has circulated online. After sustaining his injuries, August Borden was airlifted to the Children’s Hospital in Birmingham for treatment and has since continued to recover but has yet to return to school.
Background on the Case
The case drew considerable attention in the local community following the incident, highlighting issues related to student safety and the dynamics of school interactions. The decision not to file criminal charges has left various community members and parents asking questions about the accountability in such incidents.
The district attorney’s findings clarify that although serious injuries were involved, the nature of the event was not found to be criminally abusive, reinforcing the need for further dialogue about student conduct and safety guidelines within schools.
Summary of Key Facts
- Incident Date: August 19
- Injuries Sustained: Serious brain injuries and broken orbital bones
- No Criminal Charges Filed: Confirmed by Madison County District Attorney Robert Broussard
- Number of Interviews Conducted: 17, including 8 eyewitnesses
- Borden’s Current Status: Recovering and has not returned to school
FAQ Section
What happened to August Borden?
August Borden was injured in an incident on August 19, when he fell on uneven concrete steps and hit his head, suffering serious injuries including brain injuries and broken orbital bones.
Will there be any criminal charges filed in the case?
No criminal charges will be filed in Borden’s case as the investigation found no evidence to support any criminal conduct.
How many interviews were conducted during the investigation?
A total of 17 interviews were conducted during the investigation, including eight eyewitnesses.
Why were no names released in the investigation?
The names of the individuals involved, including the “subject of interest,” were not released due to their juvenile status.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | August 19 |
| Injuries Sustained | Brain injuries and broken orbital bones |
| Criminal Charges | No criminal charges filed |
| Investigative Interviews | 17 interviews including 8 eyewitnesses |
| Borden’s Current Status | Recovering and has not returned to school |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Investigation Clears Individuals in Deshler High School Injury Case
Madison County DA: Deshler High Student Injured in Freak Accident
Madison County District Attorney Closes Case on August Borden
Lee-Huntsville Football Team Prepares for Optimistic Season
Additional Resources
- WHNT News
- Wikipedia: Deshler, Alabama
- AL.com
- Google Search: Deshler High School incident
- WAFF 48 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: High School
- 1819 News
- Google News: August Borden case
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
