PHOENIX, Ariz. — A tragic stabbing incident unfolded at Maryvale High School in Phoenix on Tuesday morning when a classroom altercation turned fatal, resulting in the death of a student.
The incident occurred shortly before 11 a.m. when a fight broke out between two male students inside a classroom. According to Phoenix police, a pocket knife was used to stab 16-year-old Michael Montoya II multiple times. The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, managed to sneak the weapon through the school’s security system, according to authorities.
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After the stabbing, the suspect fled the classroom but was apprehended by the school resource officer.
Both Montoya and the suspect were transported to a local hospital, where Montoya succumbed to his injuries. The suspect, who sustained cuts to his hand, is in custody and may be charged as an adult with second-degree murder.
Immediately after the incident, the campus was placed on lockdown, which was lifted several hours later. Students were then allowed to go home.
Maryvale High School Had Weapons Detection
This incident has sparked a debate about the efficacy of Maryvale High School’s security measures. A new weapons detection system was installed just two weeks prior to the stabbing. This system was part of a district-wide initiative aimed at enhancing school safety following a successful pilot program at two campuses, including Maryvale.
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Security expert Stan Kephart told 12News that while these systems are not foolproof, they can be highly effective. However, parents and students remain concerned about how the knife was smuggled into the school despite these precautions.
School’s Response and Police Investigation
In response to the incident, Maryvale High School has transitioned to virtual learning for the remainder of the week. Counselors are available to support students and staff as they process the tragedy, reports Fox10Phoenix.
The Phoenix Police Department continues to investigate the incident and is urging anyone with video evidence to submit it via their website, reports ABC15.
