New York police have announced seven additional arrests in connection with the fatal stabbing of 16-year-old Khaseen Morris, which onlookers recorded and widely shared on social media earlier this month.
Nassau County Executive Laura Curran identified the new seven suspects: Haakim Mechan, 19, Marquis Stephens Jr., 18, Javonte Neals, 18, Taj Woodruff, 17, Sean Merritt, 17, and two male juveniles, both 16. According to Curran, all teens are from Long Beach, New York, and will be charged with second-degree gang assault.
Nassau County Police Detective Lt. Stephen Fitzpatrick said the boys are not known to be members of any gang but more charges could be possible. Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas said prosecutors are unsure if the minors will be charged as adults. All of the teens pleaded not guilty at their arraignment Saturday.
Khaseen was killed in a prearranged fight near Oceanside High School on September 16 over a girl. Police allege between 50-70 teenagers watched as Khaseen was beaten and stabbed in the chest. Many onlookers took out their phones to document the fight on social media and no one stepped in to help. Khaseen died from his injuries after being taken to the hospital. Only Tyler Flach, 18, was charged with second-degree murder at the time.
Khaseen’s sister, Keyanna Morris, told Newsday that she was comforted by the additional arrests. “People cannot do this to someone so good and think there’s not going to be any kind of justice,” Morris said.
Detective Lt. Stephen Fitzpatrick said at a news conference, “Each one of them had an active role. They came with the intention to seriously hurt him. Khaseen got killed as a result. It’s the first step toward justice.” Morris’ funeral was held Saturday.
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