Maryvale High School Stabbing Leaves One Student Dead, Community Reels

PHOENIX, Ariz. (Aug. 20, 2025) – A fight at Maryvale High School turned deadly on Tuesday morning. One student was stabbed and died, while another is in the hospital, authorities said.

At around 11 a.m., Phoenix Police went to a report of a fight in a classroom near 59th Avenue and Osborn Road. School staff notified the School Safety Officer about a fight between two students. Officers came quickly after that. Phoenix Commander David Saflar said a “fight between two students” escalated quickly. One student brought out a knife and stabbed the other several times.

Paramedics transported both youths to a nearby hospital. One student had life-threatening injuries and died from them. The second student was treated for minor injuries and is the only suspect in custody. Police say no additional suspects are being sought.

Maryvale High School is changing its schedule for Wednesday. This is to give “extensive emotional support and counseling” to students and staff, as stated by Thea Andrade, the Superintendent of Phoenix Union High School District. All after-school activities are off. Parents have been informed that students will go home early at 1 p.m. on Tuesday.

Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego praised first responders and urged families to remain vigilant. ““Tomorrow will be a hard day for parents dropping kids off at school. We’re doing our best to make schools safe,” she said.

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne referred to the incident as a “terrible tragedy.” He pointed out the critical need for safe learning environments. ““Schools must be safe places,” Horne stated. ““This awful incident strengthens my promise to do all I can to keep schools safe.”

Phoenix Police are still looking into the case. They urge anyone with information or video from witnesses to reach out to them. This remains a developing story.