13-Year-Old Boy Arrested as Suspect in Barnard College Stabbing

A 13-year-old boy confessed to stabbing Tessa Major, 18, in Morningside Park.

What We Know:

  • Majors, a freshman at Barnard College, was stabbed multiple times on Wednesday evening. She was taken to a hospital after a Columbia University security guard came to her aid and called 911. She died shortly after.
  • According to sources, the teenager told investigators that he and two others were trying to rob Majors. Another individual is also in police custody in connection with the attack.
  • The teenager appeared in a Manhattan family court on Friday with two relatives. He is facing a felony murder charge.
  • The Majors family released this statement on Friday: “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. We would also like to express our appreciation for the efforts of the men and women of the NYPD, who continue to work diligently on this case.”
  • CBS New York has reported several similar attacks involving a group of teens in the Morningside area.
  • NYPD Chief of Detectives Rodney Harrison stated, “Going forward, we are going to capitalize and make sure all of our resources are plugged into Morningside Heights, including our strategic response groups. We’re going to use different types of logistics like light towers, and we’re going to continue working with the community.”

We will continue to follow this story and provide updates.