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Franklin Regional High School stabbing

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The Franklin Regional High School stabbing was a mass stabbing that occurred on April 9, 2014, at Franklin Regional High School in Murrysville, Pennsylvania. Alex Hribal, a 16-year-old sophomore at the school, used a pair of eight-inch kitchen knives to stab and slash 20 students and a security guard. Four students sustained life-threatening injuries, but all survived.[3]

Franklin Regional High School stabbing
Franklin Regional High School stabbing is located in Pennsylvania
Franklin Regional High School stabbing
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Location of Murrysville within the state of Pennsylvania.
LocationMurrysville, Pennsylvania, United States
Coordinates40°25′45″N 79°40′09″W / 40.42917°N 79.66917°W / 40.42917; -79.66917
DateApril 9, 2014 (2014-04-09)
c. 7:13 a.m. – c. 7:18 a.m.[1][2]
TargetStudents and staff at Franklin Regional High School
Attack type
Mass stabbing, attempted mass murder
WeaponsKitchen knives
Deaths0
Injured24 (22 directly, including the perpetrator)
PerpetratorAlex Hribal

Details edit

At around 7:13 a.m., minutes before classes began, Hribal,[4] wearing black clothing,[5] began stabbing and slashing students in the school's first-floor science hallway.[6] After stabbing several people, Hribal pulled a fire alarm, attempting to bring more students out into the hallway, according to witness testimony and surveillance footage.[6]

Hribal, who witnesses said looked "emotionless" during the attack, wounded 20 students and a security guard before he was subdued by Sam King, the school's assistant principal, with the help of student Ian Griffith.[7] While he was being restrained by King, Hribal reportedly refused to drop the knives, saying, "My work is not done. I have more people to kill."[1][8][9][10][11]

Aftermath edit

A total of 22 people, including Hribal, were injured during the rampage.[3] Officials said Hribal did not appear to have targeted any specific person.[1]

The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) treated twelve patients. UPMC officials stated that two boys were in critical condition, two boys were in serious condition, and a boy and two girls were in fair condition. One victim was placed on a ventilator after a knife pierced his liver, while another suffered an open wound to the face that required 11 sutures. The teenage victims ranged in age from 14 to 17.[12] Eight other patients were taken to Forbes Regional Hospital in nearby Monroeville.[13] Several of those victims suffered serious injuries, including "deep wounds to the abdomen," according to hospital officials.[3][14][15] In addition to the stabbing victims, two other students suffered unrelated injuries while fleeing the school. Hribal was treated for injuries to his hand.[2][16][17] On May 18, 2014, Greg Keener, the last of the victims, was discharged from Forbes Regional Hospital.[18]

Franklin Regional High School was closed for several days while workers from a restoration company cleaned up.[19][14][20] On April 14, classes resumed at the school.[21] On April 9, 2015, Murrysville marked the one-year anniversary of the stabbing rampage. Several local churches held worship services that night.[22]

Perpetrator edit

Alex Hribal (born October 1, 1997)[23] was taken into custody after the stabbing as the suspected perpetrator.[15][24] He alleged that he was depressed, had suicidal thoughts during the fifth grade, and that those emotions returned while he was attending Franklin Regional High School.[25] He was believed by police to have threatened at least two students by phone prior to the rampage, but neither student was one of the victims.[26] Officials have declared that Hribal was responsible for the stabbing, that he stabbed people in multiple classrooms, and that he used two "straight knives", measuring 8 to 10 inches (20.32 to 25.4 cm), to carry it out.[13][27] According to testimony, Hribal had begun planning the attack on September 22, 2013.[6]

Several items belonging to Hribal were seized from his home, including a notebook with writing in it and a knife holder assumed to have held the two knives used in the attack. A cellphone was also seized from Hribal's school locker,[28] as was a note dated April 6, which read, "I can't wait to see the priceless and helpless looks on the faces of the students of one of the 'best schools in Pennsylvania' realize their precious lives are going to be taken by the only one among them that isn't a plebian [sic]."[29]

On June 10, 2014, a warrant was unsealed which stated that Hribal had written a document about the Norse legend Ragnarök, as well as his dissatisfaction with society.[30] The warrant also stated that two students had received threatening phone calls on the day before the stabbing, which were suspected to have been from Hribal.[31] On September 26, 2014, psychologist Bruce Chambers testified that Hribal was inspired by the 1999 Columbine High School massacre, that he identified with the perpetrators Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, and that he had originally planned to carry out the stabbing on April 20, the fifteenth anniversary of Columbine, but changed the date to April 9, the birthday of Eric Harris, because April 20 fell on a Sunday that year.[25]

Prosecution, guilty plea, and sentencing edit

Hribal was initially charged as an adult with four counts of attempted homicide, 21 counts of aggravated assault, and one count of carrying a weapon on school property.[3][32] On April 25, 2014, Hribal's charges were upgraded to 21 counts of attempted homicide and 21 counts of aggravated assault, after investigators discovered a note written by him that declared his intention to take lives during the attack.[33][34][35][36]

In June 2014, Hribal pleaded not guilty to all charges.[31] He waived a formal arraignment.[37] The Westmoreland County Common Pleas Judge Richard E. McCormick, Jr. ordered a mental health assessment for Hribal.[38] In September 2014, while leaving a mental health hearing, Hribal told a news reporter that he was sorry for committing the attack. He was expected to be transferred to Southwood Psychiatric Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, after passing a medical examination and psychiatric evaluation, but the hospital refused to admit him, reportedly due to safety concerns.[6][25][39] Three psychiatrists testified for the defense, saying that Hribal had major depressive disorder and schizotypal personality disorder. They all agreed that he was responding to treatment.[40]

A trial date was postponed several times.[41][42][43] A hearing was held to determine whether the case would be transferred to juvenile court;[44][45] victims of the rampage testified about their injuries and urged the judge to try Hribal as an adult.[46] In September 2015, a judge ruled that Hribal must be transferred from a juvenile detention center to Westmoreland County Prison when he turns eighteen years old.[23][47] In October 2015, this transfer was carried out, and the judge refused to set bail for Hribal, citing public safety concerns.[47][48]

In June and November 2015, testimony statements were given by victims and defense experts in regards to the decision whether Hribal's case should be moved to juvenile court. The prosecution argued that Hribal planned the attack in advance and traumatized his victims and the community, while Hribal's lawyer argued that no one was killed during the stabbings despite the serious injuries inflicted, and that the victims' testimonies indicated they appeared to have moved on.[49][50] In May 2016, Judge Christopher Feliciani ruled that Hribal would be tried as an adult.[51]

On October 24, 2017, Hribal, then 20, pleaded guilty in the Westmoreland County Court of Common Pleas to 21 counts each of attempted homicide and aggravated assault. Defense attorney Thomassey said that the Hribal family wished to spare victims from having to testify and relive the attack at trial. The plea came after Judge Feliciani denied the defense's requests to allow Hribal to plead guilty but mentally ill. District Attorney John Peck stated that he planned to push for a prison sentence of 30 to 60 years, while Thomassey said he will argue for "as light a sentence as I can."[52]

On January 22, 2018, Judge Christopher Feliciani sentenced Alex Hribal to serve 23 1⁄2 to 60 years in prison.[53]

School security edit

The school was not equipped with metal detectors.[54] Since February 2013, the school district has had 130 video cameras from various schools live streamed to police, explained as a precaution against violent incidents.[55] On May 5, 2014, the school distributed clear backpacks to all of its students, courtesy of Monroeville car dealership, #1 Cochran.[56] School district spokeswoman Mary Catherine Reljac said in a statement that the measure was intended to "bring an added sense of safety and security during the school day as the school community continues to heal".[57]

Reaction edit

Following the incident, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett visited Murrysville and held a press conference, giving a speech praising the heroes of the rampage.[10] He also called April 9 another "sad day" in the country and asked if schools should have metal detectors.[27] On April 10, U.S. President Barack Obama called Franklin Principal Ron Suvak to tell him that the FBI would continue to assist in the investigation of the attack.[58]

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ a b c Stanglin, Doug (April 9, 2014). "'Shy' suspect arrested after stabbing 19 at Pa. school". USA Today. Retrieved April 9, 2014.
  2. ^ a b "Knife-wielding student wounds 22 in Pennsylvania school". Yahoo News. April 9, 2014. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
  3. ^ a b c d "24-Injured In Stabbing At Franklin Regional High School". Retrieved October 2, 2014.
  4. ^ "High school stabbings: Friend 'saved my life,' injured boy says". Los Angeles Times. April 10, 2014. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
  5. ^ "Teen suspect charged in school stab rampage". New York Post. April 9, 2014. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
  6. ^ a b c d "Witnesses: Alex Hribal worshiped Columbine attackers, pulled fire alarm during rampage". wtae. September 27, 2014. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
  7. ^ "Complaint: School stabbing suspect said, 'I have more people to kill'". CNN. April 25, 2014. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
  8. ^ School Stab-Spree Suspect Alex Hribal Planned to Kill, Cops Say, NBC News, April 25, 2014.
  9. ^ "Future Penn Stater Helps Thwart High School Stabber". Onward State. April 10, 2014. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
  10. ^ a b "Teen stabs 22 at Pittsburgh-area high school"
  11. ^ "School Stabbing Hero Gracey Evans: 'He Saved My Life, So I Saved His'". The Huffington Post. April 9, 2014. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
  12. ^ Begos, Kevin. Police: Pa. student flashed 2 knives, injured 20, Associated Press, April 9, 2014.
  13. ^ a b Susman, Tina (April 9, 2014). "20 stabbed at Pennsylvania high school; student had 2 knives". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 9, 2014.
  14. ^ a b Stanglin, Doug (April 9, 2014). "At least 19 stabbed at Pa. school; suspect arrested". USA Today. Retrieved April 9, 2014.
  15. ^ a b "20-Injured In Stabbing At Franklin Regional High School". CBS Pittsburgh. April 9, 2014. Retrieved April 9, 2014.
  16. ^ "2 Pa. school stabbing victims' conditions improve". Retrieved October 2, 2014.
  17. ^ "Two Franklin Regional stabbing victims released from hospitals". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. April 23, 2014. Retrieved April 24, 2014.
  18. ^ Fieldstadt, Elisha (May 18, 2014). "Last Victim of Pennsylvania School Stabbing Spree Leaves Hospital". NBC News. Retrieved May 21, 2014.
  19. ^ Williams, Timothy (April 9, 2014). "Student Stabs at Least 20 at Pennsylvania School". New York Times. Retrieved April 9, 2014.
  20. ^ "Four students still hospitalized after Murrysville school stabbing rampage". PennLive.com. April 13, 2014. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
  21. ^ "Students return to Penn. high school for first time since 22 were stabbed by 16-year-old suspect". NY Daily News. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
  22. ^ "Community Healing 1 Year After Franklin Regional Stabbings". CBS Pittsburgh. April 9, 2015. Retrieved April 26, 2015.
  23. ^ a b "Teen who stabbed high school students must go to jail at 18". Yahoo! News. September 24, 2015. Retrieved September 24, 2015.
  24. ^ "Multiple students stabbed in Pennsylvania". Chicago Tribune. April 9, 2014. Retrieved April 9, 2014.
  25. ^ a b c Guidotti, Ross (September 26, 2014). "Testimony: Franklin Regional Stabbing Suspect's Attack Inspired By Columbine". CBS Pittsburgh. Retrieved September 27, 2014.
  26. ^ "Police believe accused high school stabber threatened 2 classmates before spree". Fox News. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
  27. ^ a b "About 19 Students Injured In Knife Attack At Pa. High School". NPR.org. April 9, 2014. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
  28. ^ "FBI agents seize cellphone from Alex Hribal's school locker, several items from his Murrysville home". wtae. April 23, 2014. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
  29. ^ "Cops: Boy In Knife Attacks Wrote Chilling Note". Boston.com. Associated Press. April 25, 2014. Retrieved April 25, 2014.
  30. ^ "Search warrant: Pennsylvania school stabbing suspect wrote about Norse end-of-world legend". Fox News Channel. Associated Press. June 16, 2014. Retrieved June 16, 2014.
  31. ^ a b Daley, Elizabeth (June 12, 2014). "Pennsylvania School Stabbing Suspect Alex Hribal Pleads Not Guilty". Huffington Post. Retrieved June 16, 2014.
  32. ^ Continuing Coverage of the Franklin Regional High School Stabbings Archived April 13, 2014, at the Wayback Machine, WTAE, April 9, 2014.
  33. ^ New charges filed against Franklin Regional stabbing, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, April 25, 2014.
  34. ^ "New charges filed against Franklin Regional stabbing suspect". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
  35. ^ McClam, Erin. Alex Hribal Is Not 'a Loner or a Weirdo,' Lawyer Says, NBC News, April 11, 2014.
  36. ^ "Alex Hribal to Be Tried as Adult for Knife Attack in Murrysville School". ABC News. May 9, 2016. Retrieved April 27, 2017.
  37. ^ "Alex Hribal, Suspect In School Stabbing Spree, Waives Court Appearance". The Huffington Post. June 2, 2014. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
  38. ^ Cholodofsky, Rich (July 10, 2014). "Doctor for prosecution to evaluate Franklin Regional stabbing suspect's mental state". Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. Retrieved July 17, 2014.
  39. ^ "Accused Pennsylvania stabber rejected by psychiatric unit: judge". Yahoo! News. September 30, 2014.
  40. ^ Hardway, Ashlie (June 22, 2016). "Adult or juvenile? Hearing to continue for Franklin Regional stabbing suspect Alex Hribal". WTAE. Retrieved December 27, 2016.
  41. ^ "Hribal seeks trial postponement in Franklin Regional stabbings". Post-Gazette. October 30, 2014.
  42. ^ "Trial delayed until March in high school stabbings". WTAE-TV. October 31, 2014. Retrieved April 12, 2015.
  43. ^ "Juvenile status hearing, trial delayed in Franklin Regional stabbings". Tribune-Review. May 29, 2015. Retrieved May 30, 2015.
  44. ^ "Juvenile status hearing, trial delayed in school stabbings". WTAE Pittsburgh. May 29, 2015. Retrieved May 30, 2015.
  45. ^ "Hearing to Move Pa. High School Stabbing Case to Juvenile Court, Trial Delayed". NBC News. May 29, 2015. Retrieved May 30, 2015.
  46. ^ "Pennsylvania School Stabbing Victims Urge Judge To 'Fix Evil' By Trying Alex Hribal As Adult". The Huffington Post. June 23, 2015. Retrieved August 18, 2015.
  47. ^ a b Hardway, Ashlie (October 26, 2015). "No bail for Alex Hribal in Franklin Regional High School stabbing case". WTAE. Retrieved May 30, 2016.
  48. ^ Hardway, Ashlie; Kaplan, David (October 1, 2015). "Franklin Regional stabbing suspect transferred out of juvenile detention". WTAE. Retrieved May 30, 2016.
  49. ^ Zemba, Liz (April 13, 2016). "Hribal aimed to kill in Franklin Regional school stabbing spree, Westmoreland DA Peck argues". Tribune Live. Retrieved May 30, 2016.
  50. ^ Zemba, Liz (February 16, 2016). "Victims of Franklin Regional stabbings have 'moved on,' Hribal attorney says". Tribune Live. Retrieved May 30, 2016.
  51. ^ Ingram, Sheldon (May 9, 2016). "Alex Hribal to be tried as adult for knife attack in Murrysville school". WTAE. Retrieved May 30, 2016.
  52. ^ Born, Molly (October 24, 2017). "Alex Hribal pleads to 21 counts in Franklin Regional stabbings". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Retrieved November 7, 2017.
  53. ^ Cholodofsky, Rich. "Alex Hribal gets up to 60 years in prison for Franklin Regional attack; bullying claim denied". TribLIVE.com. Retrieved January 22, 2018.
  54. ^ Alex Johnson (April 9, 2014). "Five Questions About Alex Hribal and the Pennsylvania School Stabbings". NBC News.
  55. ^ "Murrysville district streaming 130 cameras to police". WPXI.com. February 19, 2013.
  56. ^ Orlando, Trina (May 5, 2014). "Clear Backpacks Distributed To Franklin Regional Students". CBS Pittsburgh. Retrieved May 5, 2014.
  57. ^ Connor, Tracy (May 5, 2014). "Stabbing Spree Prompts Clear-Bag Rule at Pennsylvania School". NBC News. Retrieved May 5, 2014.
  58. ^ Brown, Pamela; Mallonee, Mary Kay; Carter, Chelsea J. (April 10, 2014). "After Pennsylvania school stabbing, authorities and community ask: 'Why?'". CNN.
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