Teen Charged In Fatal Stabbing Of 14-Year-Old Outside OC High School

SANTA ANA, CA — A 14-year-old boy was charged 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 due to 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 injuries, the Orange County District Attorney's Office reported.

It was not immediately clear if the defendant's 17-year-old brother, who also turned himself into the authorities, was charged with any crime.

The fight and subsequent stabbing took place at around 3:20 p.m. Wednesday in the shared parking lot of the neighboring Heninger Elementary School at 417 W. Walnut St. according to the Santa Ana Unified School District.

The students were all boys reported to be 14, 15 and 16 years old. They were taken to a local hospital, and 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."

City News Service contributed to this report.