Milford Stabbing Kills Teen; Suspect In Custody (VIDEO)

Maren Sanchez

Maren Sanchez died from her wounds at Bridgeport Hospital, Milford Police Chief Keith Mello told reporters.

“We are obviously devastated by the loss of one of our students,” School Superintendent Elizabeth Feser said at the news conference from the scene.

A 16-year-old boy has been taken into custody, officials said. His name is being withheld because of his age.

Students at the school told reporters that the incident was caused by a dispute over a date for the junior prom, originally scheduled for Friday night but canceled because of the stabbing. Police, however, said they could not confirm that report.

“I know the news venues interviewed students who said that,” Milford police officer Jeffrey Nielsen told the Los Angeles Times. “We are not confirming that at this time. This is a raw and active investigation. We are interviewing witnesses, but are not confirming what caused this. All we know is that we had a stabbing.”

According to Mello, speaking at the news conference, the assault happened around 7:15 a.m. in a hallway inside the school. A staff member witnessed part of the assault and tried to help. Sanchez was rushed to the hospital and pronounced dead at 7:43 a.m.

Students at Jonathan Law High School were dismissed for the day.

Feser said Sanchez was an active student.

“She was an athlete, she was in the National Honor Society. She helped out with other athletic teams. She was very well respected and liked,” Feser told reporters.

The school is in Milford, about 10 miles from New Haven.