SANTA ANA, Calif. (KABC) — A 14-year-old student was killed and two others were injured in a stabbing Wednesday afternoon at Santa Ana High School, authorities said.
It happened on campus around 3:25 p.m., just after classes were dismissed for the day.
According to police, three boys – ages 14,15 and 16 – were stabbed in front of the school. The 14-year-old died at the hospital while the other two are in stable condition.
Police say officers are looking for two suspects. The three victims and two suspects are all students at Santa Ana High, according to SAPD.
Aaron Chavez was a friend of the teen who was fatally stabbed. He described his friend as a kind, funny kid.
“To see him gone is to see a piece of you gone,” Aaron said about his friend.
He said he had spoken to him hours before the killing.
“It was a quick dap up, a quick good morning. I wish that would have been a hug,” Aaron said. “I didn’t know that was the last time I was going to see him.”
It’s unclear what led to the stabbing. The school district told Eyewitness News that the incident appears to be gang related.
“Please be assured that there is no immediate threat to the school or surrounding area,” read a message from the Santa Ana Unified School District that was sent to parents. “The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority.”
Meanwhile, all after school activities were canceled for the day. The district said crisis counselors will be available Thursday to help any students.
