TIL CreativesPolice say the girls, all aged 10 and 11, devised a detailed plan to stab a male classmate inside the school restroom. (Representative Image) In a case eerily reminiscent of the 2014 “Slender Man” stabbing, four fifth-grade girls from Arizona have been charged with plotting to kill a classmate. The girls, aged 10 and 11, were believed to be having a relationship issue with a boy at Legacy Traditional School on October 1, 2024.According to a police report released in June 2025, the girls had allegedly planned to lure the boy into a restroom during lunch, stab him, and stage the scene to appear as a suicide.Also Read: What makes racketeering different? The charge that could send Diddy to prison for lifeThe report stated that the plan was detailed and involved assigning specific roles to each participant: one girl was to bring the knife, another was designated to carry out the stabbing while wearing gloves, a third would act as a lookout, and the fourth was tasked with writing a fake suicide note.Live EventsInvestigators believe the motive was rooted in the ringleader’s belief that the boy had “cheated” on her during a school relationship.The plan was uncovered when another student overheard the girls saying, “just end him,” and informed a parent, who then alerted school authorities. The following morning, school administrators and police conducted backpack searches and interviewed the girls with their parents present. Each of the four girls was arrested and charged with misdemeanor threatening and disorderly conduct. They were later released to their families and suspended pending expulsion.Authorities noted that three of the girls expressed remorse, with one backing out upon realizing the seriousness of the situation and another claiming she participated only to avoid being labeled “weird.” However, one of the girls reportedly laughed during questioning and dismissed the plan as a joke.Also Read: Why Australia is taking only 280 people a year from Tuvalu, even as one third want to fleeThe incident has sparked concern among parents and educators in Surprise, a city unaccustomed to such events involving elementary school children. The victim’s family has called for legal accountability; they urged prosecutors not to overlook the threat due to the young age of the suspects.“We can’t ignore the threat just because they’re children,” the boy’s parent stated.Child and adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Mark Anderson commented on the case during a local news broadcast, discussing the vulnerabilities of children at this age.“At this age, kids are highly impressionable. Peer pressure, immaturity, and access to violent material can take a significant toll. The parents need to keep tabs on digital use and establish an environment where kids can discuss emotions, both uncomfortable and difficult.” he said.The case has drawn comparisons to the 2014 “Slender Man” stabbing in Wisconsin, where two 12-year-old girls attacked a classmate under the influence of internet horror fiction.Also Read: Kylie Jenner earns more from Instagram than boyfriend Timothée Chalamet made from both Dune films Legacy Traditional School issued a statement following the arrests. The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority. We acted promptly with law enforcement and followed all legal and disciplinary protocols.(You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) Read More News onArizona murder plotLegacy Traditional School incidentchildren crime awarenessSlender Man stabbingjuvenile legal accountabilityfake suicide note in crimeschool safety concernsLegacy Traditional Schoolinstagram (Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates....moreless (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)Read More News onArizona murder plotLegacy Traditional School incidentchildren crime awarenessSlender Man stabbingjuvenile legal accountabilityfake suicide note in crimeschool safety concernsLegacy Traditional Schoolinstagram(Catch all the US News, UK News, Canada News, International Breaking News Events, and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Download The Economic Times News App to get Daily International News Updates....moreless