A 16-year-old cheerleader has died after she was stabbed during a high school parade in New York.
Kayla Green, the Junior Varsity cheerleading captain for Mount Vernon High School, was attacked while celebrating the boys' basketball team winning the state championship on Friday (8 April).
According to local police, an argument unfolded a few blocks away after she left the parade, where she was then allegedly attacked by a 15-year-old girl.
Green died on her way to the hospital, while her 15-year-old friend, who suffered a puncture wound and lacerations, is expected to survive her injuries.
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The 15-year-old suspect, who hasn't been named due to her being a minor, is facing charges of first-degree manslaughter, assault in the second degree and attempted assault in the first degree.
She reportedly showed off the weapon on social media prior to the attack, as well as having a history of bullying Green.
Westchester County District Attorney Mimi Rocah may upgrade the charges after a grand jury reviews the case, as per CBS News.
Shannae Haywood, a spokesperson for the family, said: "Kayla was a beautiful big sister and a special young woman with dreams and ambitions of becoming a doctor one day. She was a cheerleader, a captain, an inspiration.
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"We want to thank the police officer that risked his life to stop a mob of misguided, violent teens. We thank him and his partner for recognising that Kayla needed life-saving treatment and their efforts to save her have not gone unnoticed."
Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard also said (as reported by The Madison Leader Gazette): "I am devastated and completely outraged. We began our day celebrating the greatness and success of our youth, and we ended it with a young life that has been taken by senseless and inexcusable violence.
"The mental, emotional and spiritual health of our community, especially of our children, must be the priority and we must come together.
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"As a community, our common unity must be the safety and healthy development of our young people. Our heartfelt prayers and condolences go out to the family, friends, and the entire community of Mount Vernon."
The suspect's attorney Pamela Hayes told CBS: "Everyone is jumping to conclusions. The things that are being said have nothing to do with what happened here."
A GoFundMe has since been set up by Green's family to help them 'cope in the midst of this unexpected tragedy'. It's already raised more than $27,000 (£20,000).
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677
Topics: US News
