Police in Peoria, Arizona say a 17 year old died after being stabbed inside a Circle K early Thursday, July 4.
According to police and KSAZ, a 27 year old man named Michael walked up to the teen inside the store and cut his throat, then left. The teen walked outside and collapsed. He was taken to a hospital, where he died. Police had not yet identified the victim.
Michael was taken into custody near the scene, and officers recovered a weapon. He was booked on a murder charge, and KSAZ reported his bond was set at $1 million. Police said additional charges could follow.
Michael reportedly told investigators the teen did not provoke him and that he felt unsafe because he heard rap music. He claimed he had been attacked before by people who listen to the genre. Those statements come from police and have not been tested in court.
His attorney, Jacie Cotterell, said he has a mental illness and was recently released from jail without medication. She called the situation a failing of the Department of Corrections and said he needs treatment, not a cell.
Peoria Police Chief Art Miller said in a statement that the department is committed to the investigation and offered condolences to the victim’s family and friends.
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