Phoenix high school goes to virtual learning for rest of week after tragic student stabbing

PHOENIX — Students of a Phoenix high school are learning from home as police investigate a fatal stabbing that took place on Tuesday, according to an announcement from Maryvale High School.

The school safety officer at the high school, which is near 59th Avenue and Osborn Road, was alerted by staff that an assault occurred inside one of the classrooms around 10:54 a.m., the department said in a media advisory.

Firefighters and other officers located a student, later identified as 16-year-old Michael Montoya II, who was suffering from multiple stab wounds.

Montoya II was treated on the scene and then taken to a hospital where he died from his injuries.

The same school officer who alerted the staff went to the administration building and detained the student involved in the stabbing. It was later learned that the suspect possessed a “folding pocketknife.”

The detained student, who has not been identified, was taken to a different hospital for treatment for a bleeding hand, police said.

No other students or staff members were injured.

Police said there is no immediate danger to the school or the public.

Maryvale High School learning shift, public call-to-action

For the rest of the week, Maryvale High School will follow a modified schedule, according to a Wednesday announcement from the Phoenix Union (PXU).

This will allow for emotional support and counseling for students and staff, according to PXU Superintendent Thea Andrade. The school will shift to a virtual learning format through Friday, with on-campus support services still available Thursday.

Anyone with videos or photos related to the incident is asked to submit them online, through the QR code or anonymously by calling Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS (948-6377) or 480-TESTIGO (837-8446) for Spanish speakers.

If you have video of today’s incident or the events leading up to the stabbing at Maryvale High School, please scan the QR code/click link and upload video.https://t.co/2yAA8mpgQB pic.twitter.com/37JDGdotEb

— Phoenix Police (@PhoenixPolice) August 20, 2025

No other details about the incident have been made available.

This is an updated version of a story originally published on Aug. 19, 2025.

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