Girl, 11, in police custody after stabbing classmate in back with kitchen knife at Hamilton K-8

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (WMC) - A student at Hamilton K-8 was hospitalized during school hours Friday after a stabbing at school, according to the Memphis Police Department.

MPD says officers responded to the campus’ middle school at 11:07 a.m. after an 11-year-old girl stabbed a 10-year-old girl in the back with a kitchen knife during lunch period.

The victim was sent to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital with non-critical injuries.

The 11-year-old told police that an argument began Thursday between the pair over the phone. She claimed that the 10-year-old victim threatened to jump her, so she brought the knife to school out of fear Friday morning.

While in class, the two reportedly continued to argue. The dispute carried on into the school cafeteria, where things got more heated, and that’s when police say the 11-year-old stabbed the 10-year-old in the back.

The child accused of stabbing her classmate is currently in MPD custody.

Memphis-Shelby County Schools spokesman Jermaine Johnson says the stabbing was the result of a social media argument that lasted over a week.

Johnson also released the following statement on behalf of the school district:

“Earlier today at Hamilton K-8, a student brought a sharp weapon to campus in their backpack and assaulted another student. The victim was transported to LeBonheur with non-life threatening injuries and the responsible party has been questioned by law enforcement. This is an ongoing investigation.

We kindly remind parents to check their child’s backpack daily and monitor their social media activity. The safety and security of students and staff remain our top priority."

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