The Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School in Raleigh, North Carolina, became the site of a brawl between students on Monday, November 27, 2023.
A stabbing incident involving two students resulted in the death of 15-year-old Delvin Ferrell and left a 16-year-old student hospitalized with injuries that were not life-threatening. The school community has been left reeling in the wake of this violent episode.
In response to the stabbing, a 14-year-old has been charged with murder on a juvenile petition. The Raleigh Police Department was alerted to the incident at 11:01 a.m., following a report from the school’s resource officer, leading to immediate police and emergency services intervention.
A Code Red lockdown was swiftly initiated at the school. Video evidence from students shows that the argument originated outside the gymnasium, rapidly spiraling into a chaotic and frightening situation as it moved indoors. Students were cheering the fighting and were filming it on their phones.
The scene was marked by the presence of numerous police vehicles, EMS, and other first responders, and the area was cordoned off for investigation.
Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson confirmed the quick actions of officers in securing the scene and providing first aid to the injured students before their transportation to local hospitals.
Wake County Schools Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor addressed the public, underscoring the district’s priority of student safety and the comprehensive nature of the ongoing investigation. Dr. Taylor talked about the absence of metal detectors at the school, though he noted there were procedures for searching students under reasonable suspicion.
The school administration canceled classes and activities to allow the school community to cope with the aftermath of the incident. Counseling services have been made available, supplemented by the support of the district’s crisis team in the following days and weeks. Dr. Taylor extended condolences to Delvin Ferrell’s family, emphasizing the tragedy’s impact on the entire school community.