Senator Bolick Calls for Renewed Focus on School Safety Reporting Requirements Following Deadly Maryvale High School Stabbing

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                              Friday, August 22, 2025

Senator Bolick Calls for Renewed Focus on School Safety Reporting Requirements Following Deadly Maryvale High School Stabbing

PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Senator Shawnna Bolick is extending her heartfelt condolences to the family and classmates of the 16-year-old student who died after being brutally stabbed by a fellow student at Maryvale High School on Tuesday. In response to the retaliatory murder, Senator Bolick is calling for urgent action to strengthen reporting requirements for school safety.

On August 19, Michael Montoya II was taken to the hospital after suffering multiple stab wounds during a violent altercation in a Maryvale High School classroom. Hours later, he lost his life due to his injuries. Witnesses reported that the suspect and his twin brother had threatened to kill the victim after he allegedly stole a gun from the suspect one or two days prior. The suspect, 16-year-old Chris Daniel Aguilar, was taken into custody after retaliating against the victim and stabbing him to death.

"This is a painful reminder of what happens when children grow up in environments where criminal behavior is allowed to take root," said Senator Bolick. "One student allegedly committed a robbery, and another chose to retaliate with deadly violence. The result is a senseless loss of life, a 16-year-old facing murder charges, and a community left shattered. We cannot allow schools to become battlegrounds. This is why I advocated for SB 1255: to create stronger reporting tools and provide schools with better awareness of where safety measures need improvement, allowing intervention before disputes turn fatal. Unfortunately, the bill was held in the House after passing the Senate with bipartisan support. We cannot stand by while students fall through the cracks of a system that ignores clear warning signs. Families in Arizona should know how safe their child's public school is, and this information should be easily accessible on every school's website to ensure complete transparency. I will continue to advocate for safety awareness in schools by reintroducing similar legislation next session to make it a reality."

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For more information, contact:

Kim Quintero

Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus

kquintero@azleg.gov