16-year-old formally charged for fatal stabbing at a St. Paul high school

(KSTP) – Tuesday, charging documents were formally filed in Ramsey County against a 16-year-old boy accused of fatally stabbing a 15-year-old last Friday at Harding High School in St. Paul.

The Ramsey County Attorney’s Office says a delinquency petition has been filed against Nosakhere Kazeem Holmes, who is charged with one count of second-degree murder.

Prosecutors add they’re working to certify Holmes as an adult.

According to a statement of probable cause, Devin Scott died at Regions Hospital after lifesaving measures were performed by school staff.

RELATED: Police: Fatal stabbing reported at Minnesota high school

The document goes on to say police interviewed the Assistant Principal at Harding High School, who saw two students arguing with another student, and then saw them start fighting. Holmes and Scott were identified as two of the students who were involved in the fight.

Multiple staff members arrived, they tried to break up the fight, but once the students were separated, Holmes got off the ground and was holding a knife, and then allegedly stabbed Scott in the stomach before walking away.

Security staff then arrested Holmes and searched him, where they found a bloody knife, according to court documents.

Tuesday, the Ramsey County Attorney issued the following statement regarding the charge:

“Too often our young people resort to force and violence to resolve conflict, resulting in tragic loss for everyone involved. We need to re-double our efforts to help youth, their families, and our community to address violence involving our young people. As a community, we need to support Superintendent Joe Gothard, and the St. Paul School Board as they engage and listen to students, parents and school staff to find solutions to ensure our schools are as safe as possible. We also encourage leaders to revisit the recommendations of the 2017 Community Task Force Report on Safe Schools, which we convened in partnership with SPPS and other school districts and community stakeholders.”

Ramsey County Attorney, John Choi

The incident comes less than a month after a 15-year-old was arrested with a handgun at the school.