Phoenix High School Stabbing Leaves 16-Year-Old Student Dead
PHOENIX, Ariz. — A violent tragedy unfolded Tuesday morning at Maryvale High School when a student was fatally stabbed by another student inside a classroom, sparking shock, grief, and urgent questions about campus safety.
Authorities say the incident happened just before 11 a.m. on August 19, 2025, when Phoenix police received a 911 call reporting a stabbing at the school, located near 59th Avenue and Osborn Road.
Victim Identified as 16-Year-Old Michael Montoya II
The victim has been identified as 16-year-old Michael Montoya II, a student at Maryvale High. According to police, Montoya was attacked inside a classroom and stabbed multiple times by another student.
Montoya was rushed from the scene to a nearby hospital, but despite the efforts of first responders and medical staff, he tragically succumbed to his injuries.
“This is an unimaginable loss for Michael’s family, his classmates, and our school community,” said one official during a press briefing. “Our hearts are broken.”
Suspect in Custody
Investigators say the suspect, also a student at Maryvale High, carried out the attack using a folding pocketknife that is believed to have been brought onto campus. During the altercation, the suspect reportedly cut his own hand and was later transported to a hospital for treatment.
The teen suspect, whose name has not been released because of his age, was taken into custody following the attack. Police confirmed that he has been referred to the Juvenile Court Center, where he will face charges.
Authorities have not disclosed what may have led to the stabbing, saying the circumstances and possible motive remain under investigation.
Chaos and Lockdown on Campus
Video footage captured from outside Maryvale High showed multiple police vehicles lining the streets and school entrances taped off as officers secured the campus. The school was immediately placed on lockdown while law enforcement assessed the situation, adding to the fear and confusion among students and parents.
Several parents rushed to the school after receiving messages and social media posts about the lockdown. Many described waiting anxiously outside as they texted or called their children, desperate for updates.
“My heart stopped when I saw the police cars,” said one mother. “You send your child to school thinking they’re safe. This is every parent’s nightmare.”
Officials and Community Reaction
City of Phoenix officials and school leaders addressed the public later in the afternoon, offering condolences to Montoya’s family and assuring parents that student safety remains their top priority.
The Phoenix Union High School District confirmed that grief counselors are being dispatched to Maryvale High to help students and staff cope with the trauma.
“This is a devastating day for our Maryvale community,” district officials said in a statement. “We will stand together to support our students, teachers, and families as we grieve this heartbreaking loss.”
A Growing Concern Over School Violence
The fatal stabbing has reignited conversations around school safety, bullying, and weapons on campus. Advocates are calling for stricter measures to prevent students from bringing knives or other weapons to school, while others stress the importance of mental health support and conflict resolution programs for youth.
For now, investigators are working to piece together what happened in the classroom that led to such a violent outcome. The police emphasized that their investigation remains active, and further updates will be provided as information becomes available.
Remembering Michael Montoya II
While the investigation continues, friends and classmates are mourning the life of Michael Montoya II, described by peers as a kind, fun-loving teen who had a bright future ahead of him.
A vigil is expected to be organized by community members later this week in Montoya’s memory, as the Maryvale community struggles to come to terms with a tragedy that has left lasting scars.
