Stagg High student dies after intruder enters campus, stabs her ‘multiple times’: ‘It’s a tragedy’
Update: Police identify stabbing suspect as Anthony Gray, 52
The Stockton Police Department said late Monday that Anthony Gray, 52, had been arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the stabbing death of a 15-year-old female Stagg High School student.
Gray has been booked into the San Joaquin County Jail; online court records show he is in custody with bail not allowed and is due in court at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.
"Detectives believe this appears to be a random act and they are trying to determine why this student was targeted," the Police Department said in a statement. "This is still an active investigation and we will release more information as it becomes available."
The department asked that anyone with information call the non-emergency number at (209) 937-8377 or the Investigations Division at (209) 937-8323.
Stockton Unified said Monday that classes would go on as usual at Stagg on Tuesday, with extra security on campus as well as counselors, mental health clinicians and psychologists.
"It has been a sad day at SUSD," the district said in an online update. "Our condolences go out to the student’s family, Stagg Family and our community."
Read more: Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln seeks to ease community concerns after fatal stabbing at Stagg
Update: ‘Trauma in our community’
“This is another act of violence that has triggered trauma in our community," Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln said during an interview following the news conference. "I want the public to know that the resources are going to be communicated and be made available that will help them navigate these very difficult times."
Update: Victim has died, SUSD says
The victim has died, SUSD authorities say.
“I come to you not only as superintendent, but also as a father. A trespasser entered one of our schools and stabbed one of our students multiple times. Unfortunately she did not make it,” Superintendent John Ramirez Jr. said in a news conference moments ago. “So with that I want to offer from all of our Stockton Unified staff prayers to the family; I can’t even imagine.”
Stockton police officials say the stabbing occurred shortly after 11 a.m. and said the attacker was an adult male in his 40s.
The man drove to Stagg and went through a campus gate, then attacked before security and staff could stop him, Ramirez said.
“We definitely will be re-evaluating” campus security, he said.
The Stockton Police Department says it will certainly have additional officers at Stagg and will be working closely with SUSD to ensure the safety of the students, Deputy Chief Eric Kane said during an afternoon news conference Monday.
Update: News conference to begin shortly
Mayor Kevin Lincoln and Stockton police spokesman Officer Joe Silva are at the scene of a planned news conference regarding the stabbing, district spokeswoman Melinda Meza said. More information will follow as it becomes available.
Update: Victim identified as girl, 15
ABC 10 identified the victim as a 15-year-old girl.
“I’m closely monitoring the tragic situation at Stagg High School in Stockton right now. Pam and I are praying for the student, her family and our entire community. We have to stop the violence,” Valley Democratic Rep. Josh Harder tweeted.
Original story
Stagg High School is on lockdown after a trespasser approached the campus and stabbed a student, the Stockton Unified School District said in a news release Monday.
The suspect is in custody and the student victim was taken to a hospital, SUSD said. The motive for the attack is under investigation. The student’s condition is not known at this time.
Counselors are on hand at the school site, SUSD said. Additional information will follow as soon as it becomes available.
“The safety of our students, staff and teachers remains a top priority,” SUSD said in announcing the lockdown. ABC 10 identified the victim as a 15-year-old girl.
“I’m closely monitoring the tragic situation at Stagg High School in Stockton right now. Pam and I are praying for the student, her family and our entire community. We have to stop the violence,” Valley Democratic Rep. Josh Harder tweeted.
This is a breaking news update. Check back on recordnet.com for more on this developing story.
This article originally appeared on The Record: Stockton student dies after intruder stabs her ‘multiple times’
