Topline: The deadly assault unfolded inside a Maryvale High School classroom with a pocketknife that had the suspect’s name etched into the handle.
Published: August 26, 2025 10:00 am ET
Must Read
Chris Aguilar (via Maricopa County Sheriff's Office)
PHOENIX, AZ – A 16-year-old student has been charged as an adult in connection with the fatal stabbing of a classmate inside an Arizona high school classroom earlier this week.
Phoenix Police identified the suspect as Chris Daniel Aguilar, who is accused of stabbing fellow student Michael Montoya II, also 16, during a violent encounter on the morning of August 19.
According to police and court records, the altercation unfolded just before 11 a.m. when Aguilar reportedly approached Montoya during class, punched him several times, and then stabbed him with a folding pocketknife.
Witnesses—including students and two teachers—told police that Aguilar had switched seats to sit next to Montoya before initiating the attack, according to ABC15 Arizona.
One witness stated that Aguilar retrieved the knife from his pants and stabbed Montoya three times as the victim sat at a table. Montoya tried to flee but collapsed, and witnesses said he was unable to defend himself. A student used Montoya’s phone to call 911.
Officers and firefighters arrived at the scene quickly. Montoya was transported to the hospital, where he died from his injuries about an hour later, according to Phoenix Police. Aguilar, who sustained a hand injury during the incident, was taken to a separate hospital and later booked on a charge of second-degree murder.
Court documents obtained by local media outlets, including Fox 10 Phoenix and ABC15 Arizona, suggest a potential motive stemming from an incident the day before the stabbing. Aguilar reportedly told others that Montoya had robbed him of a firearm during a meeting on August 18. A witness said Aguilar and his twin brother expressed a desire to “murder the victim” after the alleged theft.
The weapon used in the stabbing—a four-inch folding knife with Aguilar’s name etched into the handle—was recovered outside the classroom by school security and placed in the principal’s office, according to investigators.
In a statement released Thursday, Sergeant Lorraine Fernandez of the Phoenix Police Department confirmed the identification of Aguilar as the suspect. “The Phoenix Police Department continues to support the students, staff, and entire community that has been impacted by this tragic event,” she said.
Aguilar is currently being held on a $500,000 cash-only bond. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 28. After being advised of his rights, Aguilar declined to speak with investigators without an attorney, court documents state.
When asked why prosecutors are pursuing second-degree rather than first-degree murder charges, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said that premeditation remains under review. “The things you point out are absolutely factors that we would look at,” Mitchell told Fox 10 Phoenix. “But you also have to look at premeditated to do what. To attack, or to kill?”
The stabbing, which occurred in full view of classmates and was reportedly captured on video, has left the Maryvale community reeling. Phoenix Police continue to work with the school and district officials to support students and assess safety protocols.
The Phoenix Union High School District, in a statement, said its internal investigation is ongoing and includes how the weapon was brought onto campus.
As the investigation continues, Phoenix Police are urging anyone with relevant information or video of the incident to submit it through official channels or anonymously via Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Teen Accused of Stabbing Classmate to Death in Front of Teachers, Students
The deadly assault unfolded inside a Maryvale High School classroom with a pocketknife that had the suspect’s name etched into the handle.
By Jacob Charles
Published: August 26, 2025 10:00 am ET
Chris Aguilar (via Maricopa County Sheriff's Office)
PHOENIX, AZ – A 16-year-old student has been charged as an adult in connection with the fatal stabbing of a classmate inside an Arizona high school classroom earlier this week.
Phoenix Police identified the suspect as Chris Daniel Aguilar, who is accused of stabbing fellow student Michael Montoya II, also 16, during a violent encounter on the morning of August 19.
According to police and court records, the altercation unfolded just before 11 a.m. when Aguilar reportedly approached Montoya during class, punched him several times, and then stabbed him with a folding pocketknife.
Witnesses—including students and two teachers—told police that Aguilar had switched seats to sit next to Montoya before initiating the attack, according to ABC15 Arizona.
One witness stated that Aguilar retrieved the knife from his pants and stabbed Montoya three times as the victim sat at a table. Montoya tried to flee but collapsed, and witnesses said he was unable to defend himself. A student used Montoya’s phone to call 911.
Officers and firefighters arrived at the scene quickly. Montoya was transported to the hospital, where he died from his injuries about an hour later, according to Phoenix Police. Aguilar, who sustained a hand injury during the incident, was taken to a separate hospital and later booked on a charge of second-degree murder.
Court documents obtained by local media outlets, including Fox 10 Phoenix and ABC15 Arizona, suggest a potential motive stemming from an incident the day before the stabbing. Aguilar reportedly told others that Montoya had robbed him of a firearm during a meeting on August 18. A witness said Aguilar and his twin brother expressed a desire to “murder the victim” after the alleged theft.
The weapon used in the stabbing—a four-inch folding knife with Aguilar’s name etched into the handle—was recovered outside the classroom by school security and placed in the principal’s office, according to investigators.
In a statement released Thursday, Sergeant Lorraine Fernandez of the Phoenix Police Department confirmed the identification of Aguilar as the suspect. “The Phoenix Police Department continues to support the students, staff, and entire community that has been impacted by this tragic event,” she said.
Aguilar is currently being held on a $500,000 cash-only bond. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 28. After being advised of his rights, Aguilar declined to speak with investigators without an attorney, court documents state.
When asked why prosecutors are pursuing second-degree rather than first-degree murder charges, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said that premeditation remains under review. “The things you point out are absolutely factors that we would look at,” Mitchell told Fox 10 Phoenix. “But you also have to look at premeditated to do what. To attack, or to kill?”
The stabbing, which occurred in full view of classmates and was reportedly captured on video, has left the Maryvale community reeling. Phoenix Police continue to work with the school and district officials to support students and assess safety protocols.
The Phoenix Union High School District, in a statement, said its internal investigation is ongoing and includes how the weapon was brought onto campus.
As the investigation continues, Phoenix Police are urging anyone with relevant information or video of the incident to submit it through official channels or anonymously via Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Teen Accused of Stabbing Classmate to Death in Front of Teachers, Students
The deadly assault unfolded inside a Maryvale High School classroom with a pocketknife that had the suspect’s name etched into the handle.
By Jacob Charles
Published: August 26, 2025 10:00 am ET
Chris Aguilar (via Maricopa County Sheriff's Office)
PHOENIX, AZ – A 16-year-old student has been charged as an adult in connection with the fatal stabbing of a classmate inside an Arizona high school classroom earlier this week.
Phoenix Police identified the suspect as Chris Daniel Aguilar, who is accused of stabbing fellow student Michael Montoya II, also 16, during a violent encounter on the morning of August 19.
According to police and court records, the altercation unfolded just before 11 a.m. when Aguilar reportedly approached Montoya during class, punched him several times, and then stabbed him with a folding pocketknife.
Witnesses—including students and two teachers—told police that Aguilar had switched seats to sit next to Montoya before initiating the attack, according to ABC15 Arizona.
One witness stated that Aguilar retrieved the knife from his pants and stabbed Montoya three times as the victim sat at a table. Montoya tried to flee but collapsed, and witnesses said he was unable to defend himself. A student used Montoya’s phone to call 911.
Officers and firefighters arrived at the scene quickly. Montoya was transported to the hospital, where he died from his injuries about an hour later, according to Phoenix Police. Aguilar, who sustained a hand injury during the incident, was taken to a separate hospital and later booked on a charge of second-degree murder.
Court documents obtained by local media outlets, including Fox 10 Phoenix and ABC15 Arizona, suggest a potential motive stemming from an incident the day before the stabbing. Aguilar reportedly told others that Montoya had robbed him of a firearm during a meeting on August 18. A witness said Aguilar and his twin brother expressed a desire to “murder the victim” after the alleged theft.
The weapon used in the stabbing—a four-inch folding knife with Aguilar’s name etched into the handle—was recovered outside the classroom by school security and placed in the principal’s office, according to investigators.
In a statement released Thursday, Sergeant Lorraine Fernandez of the Phoenix Police Department confirmed the identification of Aguilar as the suspect. “The Phoenix Police Department continues to support the students, staff, and entire community that has been impacted by this tragic event,” she said.
Aguilar is currently being held on a $500,000 cash-only bond. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 28. After being advised of his rights, Aguilar declined to speak with investigators without an attorney, court documents state.
When asked why prosecutors are pursuing second-degree rather than first-degree murder charges, Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said that premeditation remains under review. “The things you point out are absolutely factors that we would look at,” Mitchell told Fox 10 Phoenix. “But you also have to look at premeditated to do what. To attack, or to kill?”
The stabbing, which occurred in full view of classmates and was reportedly captured on video, has left the Maryvale community reeling. Phoenix Police continue to work with the school and district officials to support students and assess safety protocols.
The Phoenix Union High School District, in a statement, said its internal investigation is ongoing and includes how the weapon was brought onto campus.
As the investigation continues, Phoenix Police are urging anyone with relevant information or video of the incident to submit it through official channels or anonymously via Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
