Four 5th grade girls in Surprise, Arizona, are facing criminal charges after allegedly plotting to lure a classmate into a bathroom and stab him, an attack police say was driven by jealousy and cheating allegations.
The incident took place at Legacy Traditional School's West Surprise campus on October 1, 2024, AZ Family reported. According to a newly released police report, the girls, all aged 10 or 11, devised the plan during lunch and recess. The motive seemed to stem from personal drama, including a breakup and suspicions of infidelity.
The girls allegedly agreed to lure the boy into an outdoor school bathroom and stab him in the stomach. One girl was to bring the knife, another would act as lookout, a third would forge a suicide note to mislead investigators, and gloves were to be worn to avoid leaving fingerprints.
The plot unraveled when other students overheard the conversation and alerted school staff. Administrators, working with the school resource officer, conducted searches and interviews the following day.
Each of the four girls was arrested on charges of threatening and disorderly conduct. Three expressed remorse, but one reportedly laughed and made excuses during questioning. All four girls were released to their parents and suspended, with expulsion pending.
Police said they will not share further details, and families of the accused also refused to speak publicly. At the time of the girls' arrests, the school released a statement saying, "The safety and well-being of our students is always our top priority. The incident at our West Surprise campus, which occurred in October 2024, was addressed immediately and appropriately in accordance with district protocols and in coordination with law enforcement."
