A tragic stabbing at an Arizona high school has left one student dead and another facing murder charges. Police say a classroom fight turned deadly when a 16-year-old allegedly pulled out a pocketknife and attacked his classmate.
Teen Arrested for Fatal Stabbing
Phoenix police confirmed that 16-year-old Chris D. Aguilar was arrested on Tuesday and charged with second-degree murder. The victim, identified as 16-year-old Michael Montoya II, was fatally stabbed during class at Maryvale High School.
Officers responded to the school around 10:54 a.m. after staff reported an assault inside a classroom. Aguilar was quickly detained by school security and later taken into police custody.
Victim Rushed to Hospital but Could Not Survive
Montoya was found with multiple stab wounds and received emergency treatment at the school before being rushed to a nearby hospital. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.
What Led to the Attack
Investigators say Aguilar had switched his seat to sit next to Montoya on the morning of the stabbing. Witnesses told police that Aguilar punched Montoya several times before pulling a pocketknife from his pants and stabbing him three times.
After the attack, Aguilar reportedly ran out of the classroom, dropped the knife, and was later found bleeding from his hand. Both teens were transported to separate hospitals. Police recovered the knife used in the stabbing.
Prior Conflict Between the Students
According to court documents, the stabbing may have stemmed from an earlier incident. Just two days before, Montoya allegedly robbed Aguilar of a firearm. Following that, Aguilar and his twin brother were overheard saying they wanted to kill Montoya.
Community Reaction
Arizona State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne called the stabbing “a terrible tragedy” and emphasized the need for stronger safety measures in schools.
Aguilar is being charged as an adult. His bond has been set at $500,000 cash-only, and he remains in custody.
The fatal stabbing at Maryvale High School has shaken the Phoenix community, raising concerns about campus safety and youth violence.
A young life has been lost, another teen faces decades behind bars, and two families are left devastated. The case remains under investigation as officials work to piece together what led to this violent classroom confrontation.
