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Pella Middle School stabbing suspect charged

Online Niel November 22, 2024

A 14-year-old boy who allegedly stabbed two female students with a knife Wednesday in the Pella Middle School cafeteria is facing seven charges, including three counts of attempted murder.

An investigation revealed the student allegedly brought a large kitchen knife to school and attacked three students in the cafeteria, according to a news release Thursday. Officials initially reported that the student only attacked two students.

The student first attacked another student, stabbing her several times in the neck and back with the knife, the press release said. He then swung the knife to hit a second student but missed.

The student allegedly attacked a third student, stabbing her in the arm.

The two students suffered minor laceration-type injuries, but did not require medical transport, the press release said.

Police referred the suspect to juvenile court for three counts of attempted murder, two counts of malicious wounding, one count of assault with intent to cause serious injury and one count of possession of a dangerous weapon by a minor.

A handful of students were in the cafeteria before school started when an altercation apparently broke out, Superintendent Greg Ebeling said at a news conference Wednesday. Ebeling said the girls’ wrestling coach was able to get the student to leave the school and praised her for quickly diffusing the situation.

The police secured the place within two minutes of arriving, the press release states.

Police Chief Shane McSheehy said they are investigating what led to the altercation and plan to seek warrants to learn more about the student’s hours or days leading up to the attack. The student was charged in February with assault causing bodily harm for allegedly assaulting a school counselor, McSheehy said.

The stabbing investigation is ongoing and police are asking those with information to contact the Pella Police Department at 641-628-4921.

José Mendiola is a breaking news reporter for the Register. Contact him at [email protected].