Phoenix Teen Charged With Murder After Fatal Stabbing at Maryvale High School

Phoenix, Ariz. — A tragic incident at Maryvale High School has left one student dead and another facing a murder charge, just two weeks into the new school year.

Police confirmed that 16-year-old Michael Montoya II was fatally stabbed inside a classroom on Tuesday, August 19, 2025. The suspect, also a student, allegedly used a folding pocketknife during the attack, which took place shortly before 11 a.m.

Victim Identified

Montoya, described by friends and family as a bright and hardworking teenager, was rushed to the hospital but later died from his injuries. His death has shaken the Maryvale community, sparking grief and urgent calls for stronger safety measures in schools.

Suspect in Custody

The accused student was quickly detained by a school safety officer after the stabbing. He sustained a hand injury, believed to have occurred during the altercation, and received medical treatment before being booked into the Juvenile Court Center.

Court documents reveal that he has been formally charged with second-degree murder and is being held on a $500,000 cash-only bond.

Immediate School Response

Maryvale High School was placed on lockdown immediately after the incident. Students were later released, and classes were shifted to remote learning for the remainder of the week. District officials announced that the campus is expected to reopen next week with additional safety protocols in place.

Community and Official Reactions

The stabbing has sparked widespread concern among parents, teachers, and community leaders.

Tom Horne, Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction, called the attack a “terrible tragedy” and commended the swift action of school security staff.

Members of the Phoenix City Council expressed sorrow for the victim’s family and stressed the importance of expanding mental health resources alongside campus safety upgrades.

Education officials also promised a full review of current security procedures to help prevent similar incidents.

A Community in Mourning

The killing of Michael Montoya has left classmates, friends, and family struggling to cope with the sudden loss. Vigils are being planned in his honor, while counselors have been made available to support grieving students and staff.

As Phoenix mourns, the case against the accused teenager moves forward in court. The tragedy has reignited debate over school safety, mental health awareness, and how to prevent violence in classrooms?