Autopsy: Student died of stab wounds to neck, body
Friends and family including many students from Jonathan Law High School attend a memorial service at the First United Church of Christ in Milford, Conn., for Maren Sanchez who was killed at the school Friday April 25, 2014.
HARTFORD, Conn. >> A 16-year-old girl stabbed at her high school on the day of her junior prom died of wounds to her torso and neck, Connecticut’s chief medical examiner said Sunday.
The medical examiner’s office ruled that Maren Sanchez’s death was a homicide.
A 16-year-old male classmate is charged with murder as a juvenile in the stabbing at Jonathan Law High School in Milford. The attack occurred Friday morning, hours before the school’s prom, and authorities are investigating whether Sanchez was stabbed after turning down the boy’s invitation to the dance.
Police haven’t released the suspect’s name, but people who saw him taken into custody identified him as Chris Plaskon, a friend of the victim’s and an athlete described as genial and respectful.
Plaskon’s attorney, Richard Meehan, says his client is being held in a hospital under psychiatric evaluation. Plaskon will not appear at an arraignment scheduled for Monday in New Haven, the attorney said.
Meehan has said the suspect’s family is reeling from the attack.
Don't miss out on what's happening!
Stay in touch with top news, as it happens, conveniently in your email inbox. It's FREE!
“His family is devastated not only for him, but the youngster who was killed. It’s a terrible situation all the way around,” Meehan said.
Mark Robinson, a technical education teacher, said Plaskon is the third of five brothers and has a good sense of humor. His family has deep roots in the community, Robinson said.
“There’s no reason to suspect he would have done this. I think that’s what makes it harder,” Robinson said.
Classmate Imani Langston, who saw Plaskon being read his rights and taken away in a police car, said Sanchez and the boy were just friends and had never dated.
Sanchez, a member of the National Honor Society who was active in drama and other school activities, had been focused on prom in the days before her death. She had posted a photograph on Facebook of her blue prom dress and was looking forward to attending with a new boyfriend.
Milford Alderwoman Greta Stanford said the school would remain closed Monday.
A memorial service is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday on the school’s football field. Organizers are seeking donations so the junior class can buy a memorial bench in Sanchez’s honor.
