Charter School Student Fatally Stabbed
September 24, 2009
On
Thursday, September 24, 2009 at approximately 11:30 am, Mesa
Police officers responded to a report of a stabbing at the
Pinnacle Charter High School located at 151 N. Centennial Way in
Mesa. When officers arrived they found the victim, 15-year-old
Eric Hill, with multiple stab wounds. The victim was transported
to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
At this time the investigation has revealed that the victim and
the suspect were engaged in a verbal dispute. The verbal dispute
escalated into a physical altercation and the suspect stabbed
the victim multiple times. The incident was witnessed by several
students and statements indicate that the suspect is known by
some of the students at the school. Pinnacle High School
administration verified that the suspect is not a student at the
school.
Based on statements and follow-up investigation, it appears that
this incident was gang related. Both the victim and suspect are
members of criminal street gangs. The suspect has been
identified as 17-year-old Robert John Valenzuela, Jr.
Valenzuela (photo) has not been located and there is probable
cause for his arrest.
Suspect Description: Native American/Hispanic male, 5' 8" to 5'
9" tall, 190 lbs., brown eyes and short black hair.