Alicia Reynaga, a 15-year-old female student has been randomly attacked and stabbed to death by a male intruder at a high school in California.
Gatekeepers News reports that Reynaga was reportedly attacked by 52-year-old Anthony Gray at Stagg High School in Stockton.
According to reports, Reynaga was knifed multiple times before being rushed to the hospital where she later died.
The school was, however, plunged into lockdown and the suspect was arrested on suspicion of murder and taken away by cops.
The deceased heartbroken family held a vigil on the night of her death where her devastated cousin said, “I don’t understand… I really don’t.”
Police said the attack appeared to be random and a weapon has been recovered from the scene.
Gray after driving to Stagg High, trespassed on school grounds before targeting the student – Alicia Reynaga also known as Lala.
The suspect, whose motive is still being probed, was restrained by a school district police officer and booked into San Joaquin County jail on a murder charge.
Her cousin Andrea said “I don’t understand… I really don’t. She didn’t deserve this, she didn’t.
“Whoever this person is, he has to answer to God now, this ain’t fair. It ain’t right. We’ve come together in unity.
“She’s just so loving and kind, beautiful spirit and played softball and straight A student you know.”
Travel softball coach Vincent Enriquez said “Everybody here, we loved this girl more than anyone in the world. Who would want to do this to this kid?”
The school’s softball coach, Lia Medrazo said, “I’ll always have that empty space in my heart.
“The girls are going to miss her and I hope her sister comes back and wants to play for her.”
Stockton Angel Mothers, a nonprofit in the city for parents who have had to bury their children, added, “Our Stockton Angel Mothers Community is deeply saddened by the tragedy that took place at Stagg High School in our hometown Stockton California.
“We send our deepest condolences and prayer to the family of Alicia Reynaga and all of the students, parents, and staff at Stagg High School.”
Stockton Unified School District said the motive for the stabbing was ‘under investigation’.
It tweeted, “Stagg High School is currently under lockdown for the safety of all staff and students. A trespasser approached the campus and stabbed a student.
“The suspect is in custody and the victim has been transported to the hospital. The motive for the attack is under investigation.”
Stockton Mayor Kevin Lincoln said, “My heart is shattered by the violence that ended the life of a young student today.”
Lincoln added, “No child should ever have to experience or witness such senseless acts of violence.”
Stockton Police said, “Detectives have arrested Anthony Gray, 52, in connection to the stabbing death of a 15-year-old female student. Gray was booked into the San Joaquin County Jail for murder.”
Superintendent John Ramirez Junior added, “We want to offer from all of our Stockton Unified staff, prayer to the family. I can’t even imagine that one.”
Stagg High School was set to open as normal on Tuesday morning but with an increased police presence.
Gray was being held in San Joaquin County jail on a murder charge – without bail – and is scheduled to appear in court tomorrow afternoon.
