Safety & Security

Classes resume at Santa Rosa, Calif. high school after fatal stabbing of student

Jayden Pienta, 16, was stabbed last week by another student in an art classroom at Montgomery High School.
March 6, 2023

Students have returned to Montgomery High School in Santa Rosa, Calif., several days after a 16-year-old student was fatally stabbed in a classroom.

The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat reports that Jayden Pienta was stabbed Wednesday morning during a fight inside an art class occupied by 27 students, including a 15-year-old freshman who has been identified as a suspect.

A teacher and three staff members tried to stop the fight but it ended with a 15-year-old student allegedly stabbing two others. Pienta was stabbed once in the chest and twice in his back. The other victim was stabbed in his hand.

The knife has not been recovered.

Authorities say the suspect and victims were part of an earlier altercation.

The suspect, whose identity has not been disclosed, remains in custody while the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office considers charges.

About the Author

Mike Kennedy

Senior Editor

Mike Kennedy, senior editor, has written for AS&U on a wide range of educational issues since 1999.

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