Raleigh, North Carolina – A tragic incident unfolded on Monday as a 14-year-old classmate fatally stabbed a 15-year-old student during a chaotic brawl at Southeast Raleigh High School. The shocking altercation, which was caught on camera, also left a 16-year-old student hospitalized with a non-life-threatening stab wound. Authorities have reported that both victims were rushed to a local hospital, but unfortunately, one of them did not survive their injuries.
Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson expressed her deep concern during a press conference, labeling the incident as “very disturbing.” The accused teenage assailant has been arrested and charged with murder on a juvenile petition, as per authorities cited by WRAL.
Disturbing footage obtained by WRAL and CBS 17 reveals part of the altercation, capturing two students confronting each other before exchanging punches. The altercation quickly spills into the school’s gymnasium, with other students joining the brawl. From the video, it appears that one of the individuals then brandishes a sharp object and jabs at two others before making a hasty exit.
The identities of the victims and the suspected assailant have not been disclosed. Sherelle McLaughlin, the mother of the alleged stabber, claimed her son was acting in self-defense. McLaughlin also stated that she does not believe her son brought the knife to school but obtained it from another person in the building. “The whole situation is terrible,” she said. “I feel bad for the other family, but in return, I feel bad for my son because he was fighting for his life.”
As the students grapple with the loss of a classmate, Wake County Superintendent Robert Taylor announced the closure of the school on Tuesday. The district will use this time to review safety protocols. “Schools should be a safe haven for our students and staff,” Taylor emphasized. “What happened here today is unacceptable.”
Going forward, the investigation into this tragic incident will continue as the community seeks answers and works towards ensuring the safety and well-being of all students attending Southeast Raleigh High School.