PHOENIX (AZFamily/Gray News) — A student has died after a classroom fight escalated into a stabbing at a Phoenix high school late Tuesday morning.
“We are heartbroken by this senseless tragedy today at Maryvale High School,” Phoenix Union High School District Superintendent Thea Andrade said.
According to police, the fight involved two boys at the high school on 59th Avenue south of Indian School Road shortly before 11 a.m.
Classmates said it involved freshmen and scissors were used.
Both students were taken to the hospital, where one of them died. The other was not seriously hurt.
Police said after the fight, staff was told a school resource officer detained the suspect.
“The on-campus school safety officer responded immediately, rendered aid to the student and did his job well,” State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne said.
The school was placed on lockdown for hours before students were sent home early.
“This is a sad day for the great Maryvale community,” said Phoenix Police Chief Matt Giordano. “It’s a difficult time for those affected by this incident.”
Some parents and students said they weren’t provided much detail about the deadly incident.
“We found out in an announcement that there was a lockdown and it wasn’t a drill,” Nathan Florez, a 15-year-old student, said. “When I found out, I was pretty shocked. I was at a loss for words.”
No names have been released.
Officials said Maryvale High School will have a modified school schedule on Wednesday so “extensive emotional support” can be provided for students and staff.
“To the parents out there, we are working to make schools as safe as possible,” Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego said.
The school district has a phone policy in place that is meant to limit distractions, but some families said they believe it could be putting kids at risk in emergencies like this.
“The death of a student as the result of a stabbing at Maryvale High School is a terrible tragedy,” Horne said. “Schools must be safe places.”
The investigation is ongoing.
“This terrible incident reinforces my commitment to doing everything possible to make schools safe,” Horne added.
Phoenix City Council member Betty Guardado also released a statement Tuesday afternoon after the incident.
“Classrooms should be a safe place for all students. As a mother and a representative of our community, I want everyone to feel safe at school,” Guardado said, in part. “Our community stands united in support, and I am committed to working with the school district, community and Phoenix Police to ensure their safety.”
Phoenix police are asking anyone with information, photos or videos of what happened to call the department at 602-262-6151.
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