Teen charged in stabbing death at Yonkers High School

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YONKERS, N.Y. – A 14-year-old Gorton High School student was arrested Tuesday morning after allegedly stabbing a fellow student during an argument in a classroom, Yonkers police said. The incident, which occurred just after 9:30 a.m., led to a temporary lockdown of the high school as officers cordoned off the scene and began an investigation.

Police officers responding to the report found a 17-year-old male student suffering from multiple non-life-threatening stab wounds. The school nurse, Yonkers police officers and paramedics provided medical aid at the scene before the victim was transported to a local hospital in stable condition. His family was informed of the incident.

The suspect, who was apprehended by school security officers immediately after the altercation, was taken into custody by Yonkers police. Authorities said the weapon used in the stabbing – a knife – was recovered at the scene. The suspect was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation before being treated by the Yonkers Police Department’s Juvenile Unit.

The school was placed on lockdown immediately after the incident as a precaution, with students remaining in classrooms until about 10:30 am. After both the victim and suspect were removed from the building, the lockdown was lifted and students resumed their normal schedule. Preliminary investigation revealed that the incident stemmed from a dispute between the two students that escalated into a physical altercation.

The 14-year-old suspect is facing multiple charges, including attempted first-degree assault, second-degree assault, attempted second-degree assault and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Due to the age of those involved, authorities are withholding further details about their identities, in accordance with privacy laws.

Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano addressed the incident in a statement, calling it “alarming” and emphasizing that it does not reflect the character of the Yonkers School District. “I have asked the Superintendent of Schools to work with the Yonkers Police Department and the school board to review security measures and convene a crisis intervention team for the school’s students,” Spano said. “Our goal is to ensure an incident like this does not happen again and to provide continued support to our community.”

Yonkers Police Chief Christopher Sapienza reaffirmed the department’s commitment to school safety, noting that the police department would continue to work with Yonkers Public Schools to provide a safe environment for students and staff. “Safety in our schools is always a top priority for us,” said Sapienza.

Yonkers Public Schools Superintendent Anibal Soler, Jr. also expressed concern about the incident but reassured families that it was isolated and the school remains safe. “Our crisis intervention team is available to support students and staff as we move forward together,” Soler said, adding that the district is reviewing safety protocols with local law enforcement agencies.

Yonkers Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the altercation as school officials and city leaders work to address safety concerns and support the well-being of students and staff at Gorton High School.