You wont believe this story!
MESA, AZ — A high school student is behind bars after allegedly stabbing a female classmate who had repeatedly refused his advances, according to Mesa police.
The suspect, identified as Jamal Carter, 17, is accused of attacking Abby Miller, 16, outside of Maraville High School on Tuesday afternoon. Investigators say Carter had been harassing Miller for weeks, persistently asking her for her phone number and to go on a date despite her continued refusals.
School officials confirmed that Miller had reported Carter’s behavior to teachers and staff on multiple occasions, citing unwanted attention and verbal harassment. Administrators had been monitoring the situation but said the violence came without warning.
According to witnesses, Carter approached Miller near the student parking lot after school dismissal. When she once again refused his demands, he allegedly pulled out a pocketknife and stabbed her in the arm and shoulder before other students intervened.
Miller was rushed to a nearby hospital, where she is in stable condition and expected to recover.
Police arrested Carter on the scene without incident. He is currently being held at the Maricopa County Juvenile Detention Center and is facing charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, harassment, and stalking.
“This was a deeply troubling act of violence stemming from harassment that escalated into something far more serious,” said Mesa Police Chief Carla Torres. “No student should feel unsafe rejecting unwanted attention.”
The school district is reviewing its safety protocols and reporting procedures to ensure that complaints of harassment are thoroughly addressed before escalating.
Community leaders have also called for greater education around consent, boundaries, and healthy relationships to prevent similar incidents in the future.
