WARREN, MI — The 17-year-old who is accused of fatally stabbing a 16-year-old classmate inside a Macomb County High School now faces one count of premeditated murder and could face up to life in prison without parole, according to charges. Details emerged at her Friday arraignment where an officer described the alleged situation that unfolded at Fitzgerald High School in Warren this week.
The 17-year-old reportedly produced a straight-edged kitchen knife she brought from home and stabbed the victim twice, once directly in the heart, as class was transitioning around 8:30 a.m., an officer said at the arraignment. The victim, Danyna Gibson, reportedly tried to run, but fell to the ground, at which point Tanaya Lewis began punching and stabbing her repeatedly, puncturing her lung.
Lewis reportedly screamed “I’m going to kill her” once outside the classroom. Gibson was rushed to the hospital and died about an hour later.
“Witnesses said the defendant was smiling and laughing when she chased the victim,” the officer said in court.
The dispute was reportedly over a boy.
According to her lawyer, Lewis is a good student with over a 4.0 GPA.
This was the first incident of its kind in Macomb County history, officials said at the arraignment.
“She is certainly in the eyes of the law an adult and this is an adult crime,” said Judge Suzanne Faunce. “We have a frightened community and frightened students, this is a senseless tragedy.”
Lewis was denied bond and will return to court Sept. 27.
The school was closed for the rest of the day Wednesday and Thursday.
Fitzgerald High School released the following statement following the tragedy:
“We are deeply saddened to share that the Fitzgerald High School student who was stabbed this morning passed away at the hospital. Our hearts and prayers go out to the student’s family and we offer our deepest sympathy. Students at Fitzgerald High School were released at 10 a.m. this morning. On Thursday, Sept. 13, Fitzgerald High School will be closed however the middle school and elementary schools will be open. At the High School we have deployed additional counselors, psychologists and social workers for students and staff who need support during this difficult time. Students and their parents may come to the High School between the hours of 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. for support and assistance. We are working very closely with the police department on this matter as well as conducting an internal school review of the incident which will review all our current safety procedures and protocols. This is a time of mourning for the Fitzgerald Community and we ask for you to respect the privacy of the victim’s family.”
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