On Tuesday, October 14, an altercation between two seventh graders at Coronado Middle School (CMS) resulted in a stabbing inside the school’s library, according to the Coronado Police Department. The incident occurred during a class break when a male student stabbed a female student twice with a pocketknife. Officers responded at approximately 10:20 a.m., and both students were quickly located.
“At approximately 10:20 a.m. this morning, officers responded to an incident involving two students at Coronado Middle School. Both students have been located. One student is currently receiving treatment for injuries sustained during the incident. There is no active threat to students or staff at this time. The school is not on lockdown. Out of an abundance of caution, officers conducted a security sweep of the campus,” the Coronado Police Department stated on Tuesday.
Detectives continued their investigation through the afternoon, interviewing multiple witnesses to the attack. The female victim was transported to Rady Children’s Hospital and, as later announced by the Coronado Unified School District (CUSD), is now in stable condition and recovering at home. The male suspect is currently in custody. Police and district officials have stated that further identifying information will not be released due to the minors’ ages. “We thank the Coronado school community for their support and cooperation as the investigation continues,” police added.
During the regularly scheduled board meeting held on Thursday, October 16, the Coronado Unified School District Board of Trustees paused proceedings to acknowledge the event and discuss steps to ensure the ongoing safety of students. Board President Alexia Palacios-Peters addressed the community, saying, “This past Tuesday, a deeply troubling incident occurred at one of our schools that left many of us shocked and shaken. A seventh grade student at Coronado Middle School was physically assaulted with a knife by a fellow classmate. Our hearts and thoughts are with everyone affected by this traumatic event, and especially with the victim… At the core of our mission is a commitment to provide a safe and supportive learning environment that prioritizes the physical, and emotional well being of our students and staff.”
She continued, “On behalf of the governing board, I want to extend my gratitude to our school counselors, as well as the additional counseling support personnel we have brought in who have been meeting with students and staff on the CMS campus and will continue to do so in the days ahead.”
The following day, Superintendent Karl Mueller released a statement in a CUSD Newsletter, praising the resilience of students and the professionalism of staff. “It has been a difficult and emotional week in CUSD as we navigated the shocking incident and emotional aftermath of the student assault at CMS. Our hearts are with the victim, who thankfully did not sustain a life-threatening injury and is recovering. We also acknowledge the trauma the incident caused for students and staff members. Our trusted counselors have been doing amazing work, speaking with anyone who needs help processing what happened.”
Mueller encouraged parents to reach out for counseling services if needed and expressed gratitude toward law enforcement, staff, and counselors. “It has been a tough week for them and I am so proud to work alongside this team of dedicated professionals.”
Looking ahead, a community forum is scheduled for October 30, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., where district and community leaders will discuss safety, communication, and emergency response. “This forum will be a collaborative effort with Coronado Police Department, Safe Harbor, and the National Conflict Resolution Center (NCRC),” Mueller noted.
For more information, visit the district’s website at https://coronadousd.net/#.
VOL. 115, NO. 43 – Oct. 22, 2025