High school student in Phoenix, Arizona, is charged with murder in fatal stabbing of classmate

Chris Aguilar, 16, allegedly stabbed Michael Montoya, 16, in a classroom at Maryvale High School.
Aug. 21, 2025

Summary

  • A 16-year-old student was fatally stabbed in a classroom at Maryvale High School in Phoenix.
  • Chris Aguilar was charged with murder in the death of Michael Montoya.
  • Reports indicated that the victim had stolen a firearm from the suspect, leading to threats and violence.

A 16-year-old student at a Phoenix, Arizona, high school has been charged with fatally stabbing another student in a classroom.

The Arizona Republic reports that Chris Aguilar, who is enrolled at Maryvale High in the Phoenix Union District, has been charged with second-degree murder.

Phoenix police received reports Tuesday morning about a stabbing at Maryvale and found Michael Montoya II, 16, with multiple stab wounds. He was pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Aguilar was treated at an area hospital for a cut on his right hand.

Multiple teens told police that Montoya had stolen a firearm from Aguilar and that Aguilar and his twin brother talked about killing Montoya.

Two teachers witnessed the stabbing and identified Aguilar as the aggressor, authorities said.

About the Author

Mike Kennedy

Senior Editor

Mike Kennedy has been writing about education for American School & University since 1999. He also has reported on schools and other topics for The Chicago Tribune, The Kansas City Star, The Kansas City Times and City News Bureau of Chicago. He is a graduate of Michigan State University.

Sign up for American School & University Newsletters
Get the latest news and updates.