A 13-year-old has been arrested and charged in the stabbing death of Barnard College freshman Tessa Majors, in a New York City park, according to multiple senior law enforcement officials.
The teen’s role in Major’s death has not been made clear, but the boy now faces charges of second-degree murder, robbery, and a weapons-related charge, the officials said. NBC reports the juvenile was taken into custody at around 11 p.m. on Thursday; he is currently not being charged as an adult. Investigators are on the hunt for two other people that they believe are also connected to the attack. “I am absolutely confident that any individuals involved in this terrible, heinous attack will be brought to justice and will be brought to justice quickly,” New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio said Friday during a radio interview.
Majors was stabbed repeatedly on Wednesday before 7 p.m. in Morningside Park, according to NYPD. The incident didn’t happen far from Major’s campus. “During the struggle, one of the individuals pulled out a knife and stabbed her several times,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Rodney Harrison said Thursday. “She staggered her way up the street. One of the security guards saw her and called 911.”
She was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. “We are devastated by the senseless loss of our beautiful and talented Tess. We are thankful for the incredible outpouring of love and support we have received from across the country,” Majors’ family said in a statement released Friday. “We would also like to express our appreciation for the efforts of the men and women of the NYPD, who continue to work.” Police are offering a $2,500 reward or any information on the crime.
