Connecticut Teen Fatally Stabbed By Classmate In Apparent Prom Dispute

Maren Sanchez, via Facebook

A 16-year-old girl was stabbed to death inside a Connecticut high school about 10 miles southwest of New Haven, and a teenage boy has been taken into police custody.

Emergency responders were called to Jonathan Law High School in Milford shortly after 7 a.m. Friday.

School Superintendent Elizabeth Feser identified the girl as Maren Sanchez, a junior at the school who was well-like by her peers and teachers.

Police Chief Keith Mello said a 16-year-old boy was taken into custody. His name wasn't released because of juvenile offender laws.

According to the New York Daily News, Sanchez had turned down her attacker's invitation to go to the junior prom. He reportedly shoved the girl down a flight of stairs and attempted to choke her. Then he stabbed her in the neck, according to people in the school.

"There was blood on her neck," another 16-year-old junior at the school, Sam Garcia, told the Daily News. "It was awful."

Students described an emotional scene where people were crying as police and paramedics swarmed the school.

Local police could not immediately confirm the account, but said that staff members and paramedics performed live-saving measures on the girl, but she later died at Bridgeport Hospital.

The school was closed for the day by the Board of Education, and Sanchez's friends took to social media to mourn her death.

Jessica Migliozz posted on Facebook, "Stay strong, my prayers go out to you. How are we suppose to go to school and to know we aren't safe?"

Colleen McMurray said, "Rest in paradise, beautiful. You were a smart & bright girl who didn't deserve anything. You were nice, smart & just amazing. I'll miss seeing your smile everyday.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.