1 dead following Maryvale High School stabbing

PHOENIX - One student is dead following a stabbing at a Phoenix high school on Aug. 19, and another student is in custody, the police department said.

What we know:

According to a statement released by Phoenix Police, a Phoenix Police officer who was working as a School Safety Officer for Maryvale High School was alerted by school staff members at around 10:54 a.m. that an assault had happened inside a classroom.

"The officer was directed to the administration building, where he detained one of the students involved," police said. "A second student was located by officers and firefighters suffering from multiple stab wounds. He was quickly treated on scene and rushed to the hospital, where he died from his injuries."

The victim is Michael Montoya II, 16. The suspect was not identified.

On Aug. 20, police released more information about what happened, including what weapon was involved, after there were rumors scissors were used.

"Detectives learned the victim, 16-year-old Michael Montoya II, was attacked while in class by another male classmate who was armed with a folding pocketknife, believed to have been brought onto campus. After the attack, the suspect ran out of the classroom and dropped the knife. He was seen by security staff bleeding from his hand and was placed into custody. Both Montoya and the suspect were taken to separate hospitals. Montoya died from his injuries while at the hospital," police said.

The school district says Maryvale HS had an iDay on Aug. 20, which is remote learning. Counselors will be available for students and staff.

Dig deeper:

The school itself was reportedly placed on a two-hour lockdown following the incident.

School officials did not release much information to parents, but did tell them to stay home. Some worried parents, however, gathered at the school's perimeter.

"He texted and said, 'Mom, something happened at school. We're on lockdown. ‘I said, ’I'm coming,'" said Veronica Lizarrega.

"It's just, like, you can't even do nothing," said Amapola Lopez. "I feel like going inside and getting them, but I can’t, and I have two kids in there."

Families cried and embraced as they were reunited.

"Even having to send that text message," Lizarrega said. "I mean, it's something you thought you’d never have to do."

Some parents say they want to pull their kids from Maryvale High after multiple incidents.

"After this, I'm done with this school," a parent said.

One mother said the chaos was made worse because of the new statewide policy limiting cell phone use in classrooms.

"Because he wasn’t answering … You just think everything," a parent said.

Another said, "They won’t let me in. The office doesn’t answer."

What they're saying:

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne has issued a statement.

"The death of a student as the result of a stabbing at Maryvale High School is a terrible tragedy. Schools must be safe places. The on-campus school safety officer responded immediately, rendered aid to the student and did his job well. This terrible incident reinforces my commitment to doing everything possible to make schools safe."

Maryvale High School is part of the Phoenix Union High School District, and a member of that district's school board, Jeremiah Cota, has issued a statement on the incident.

"As a board member of Phoenix Union High School District, my thoughts and prayers are with the students, staff, and families at Maryvale High School. Prayers for the victims in today's violent incident."

Phoenix City Councilmember Betty Guardado, who represents the area, issued a statement.

"I am heartbroken and deeply disturbed by the violent incident that took place today at Maryvale High School. My thoughts are with the student who was injured, their family, and the entire school community as they process this traumatic event. 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. Our community stands united in support, and I am committed to working with the school district, community and Phoenix Police to ensure their safety."

What you can do:

Investigators say anyone with video or photos related to the incident to submit them to the police department.

Area where the incident happened

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