The teenager was charged with murder after a stabbing attack outside Santa Ana High School killed a 14-year-old boy and two others were hospitalized.
The fatal incident on May 7th came as a battle broke out between a group of teenagers in the school parking lot before 3:30pm.
Three male students, ages 14, 15 and 16, were stabbed during a violent altercation. The suspects of teenagers, ages 15 and 17, fled the scene.
All three victims were taken to hospital with stab wounds. The 14-year-old, identified by his family as Armando Morales, died of injuries in the hospital. The other two victims are expected to survive.
On Friday, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office said Morales was stabbed in the heart.
The fight was among students who were believed to be members of rival gang members, and police told the Orange County Register that Morales’ family said the 14-year-old family was not a gang member and instead tried to protect their friends during the conflict.
One student was killed and the other two were hospitalized after a stabbing attack outside Santa Ana High School on May 7, 2025. Others were hospitalized after a stabbing attack outside Santa Ana High School on May 7, 2025 (KTLA) One student was killed and two others were hospitalized after a stabbing attack outside Santa Ana High School on May 7, 2025. He stabbed an attack outside Santa Ana High School on May 7, 2025. (KTLA) One student was killed and the other two were hospitalized after a stabbing attack outside Santa Ana High School on May 7, 2025. One student at ANA High School (KTLA) was killed on May 7, 2025, and two others were hospitalized after a stabbing attack outside Santa Ana High School on May 7, 2025. (KTLA)
Police set up boundaries and began searching for two suspects who fled the area. The next day, his parents and siblings, teenage boys surrendered to the Santa Ana Police Station.
They were arrested for murder, attempted murder and taken to the juvenile hall.
On Friday, the DA’s office announced that the 15-year-old suspect was charged with murder and two-count assault with fatal weapons. His charges against his 17-year-old brother are still pending.
No knife used in the attack was found, police told the OC register, but the 17-year-old suspect said he had not used a weapon during the incident.
Morales was a freshman at Santa Ana High School and was described by friends and loved ones as a kind and energetic child. Diana Vazquez said her daughter is friends with Morales.
“When she got home with her friends and they found out, she was shedding tears,” Vasquez said. “She was crying. She couldn’t believe it. She said he was a really nice kid.”
A makeshift memorial to honor Morales was established outside of high school by friends and family. There, candles and memorabilia were seen. He is survived by his parents and two siblings.
The Santa Ana Unified School District states, “We are committed to providing a safe, caring and supportive environment for all students and staff. We will continue to share updates while they become available.
All after-school activities were cancelled after a fatal incident, and the district confirmed an increase in police presence on campus, along with crisis counselors for those in need of support.
The suspect’s identity was not announced due to the status of the boy. Detectives said they were investigating cell phone video filmed by witnesses who showed part of the fight and wanted additional footage that could exist.
Anyone who is a witness or has information about the case is advised to call the SAPD Murder Detective at 714-245-8390. Anonymous tips can be provided to OC Crime Stoppers at 1-855-847-6227 or online at occrimestoppers.org.
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