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Two teenage brothers are in custody following a deadly stabbing outside Santa Ana High School on Wednesday. The incident resulted in the death of 14-year-old Armando Morales and left two other students hospitalized. The Santa Ana Police Department is investigating the case as a gang-related incident.
The altercation occurred just after classes were dismissed. Surveillance footage captured the fight, which escalated when one of the teens pulled out a knife, as reported by ABC7. Morales, a freshman, was identified by his older brother. He was described by friends and family as kind and funny. "He was just always a happy kid and always loved to help," said his cousin, Jazmin Delgado.
The two suspects, aged 15 and 17, turned themselves in to the police with their parents later that night. They have been charged with murder and attempted murder, according to KTLA. The two other victims, who are also brothers, remain in stable condition.
The Santa Ana Unified School District has increased police presence on campus and offered crisis counseling to students. Parents are expressing concerns about safety, with some choosing not to send their children to school the following day. "Is my child going to be safe?" asked parent Gina Salinas.
The investigation is ongoing, and police are urging anyone with information to come forward. The knife used in the attack has not yet been recovered, as noted by FOX LA.