A 14-year-old boy was charged Friday as a juvenile in the fatal stabbing of another 14-year-old boy outside Santa Ana High School this week.
The defendant, whose name was not released because of his age, will be tried in Juvenile Court on a charge of murder and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon for allegedly stabbing two other classmates, who are expected to survive their wounds, according to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.
It’s unclear whether the defendant’s 17-year-old brother, who also turned himself into authorities, was charged with any crime. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office did not immediately respond to a message.
The fight and the triple stabbing occurred about 3:20 p.m. Wednesday in the shared parking lot of the neighboring Heninger Elementary School at 417 W. Walnut St., according to Fermin Leal, a spokesman for the Santa Ana Unified School District.
Three students, all boys reported to be 14, 15 and 16 years old, were taken to a hospital. The 14-year-old later died. He was identified as Armando Morales of Santa Ana, according to Sgt. Gerard McCann of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
The deadly conflict was gang-related, said Santa Ana police Officer Natalie Garcia. The defendant and his big brother are considered documented gang members, and the others, except for the boy killed, are associated with a rival gang, Garcia said.
Security was increased at the campus Thursday and grief counselors were made available to students. A memorial of flowers was established outside the school.
“The incident involved an altercation among several individuals, occurring shortly after dismissal,” according to a statement from the Santa Ana Unified School District. “Out of an abundance of caution, there will be an increased presence of Santa Ana School Police on and around Santa Ana HS on Thursday. To support our students during this difficult time, crisis counselors will be available on Thursday at Santa Ana High School, Heninger School and any other campuses affected by this event.
“We are committed to providing a safe, caring and supportive environment for all students and staff. We will continue to share updates as they become available. Thank you for your continued support and compassion.”