An 18-year-old man was arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 15-year-old boy in Long Beach in a confrontation over a backpack, police said.
The incident happened Thursday at 3:35 p.m. in the 2800 block of Santa Fe Avenue, said Nancy Pratt of the Long Beach Police Department.
The boy, identified as Keyshawn Brooks, was taken to a hospital where he died, police said.
"My son was not a gang member," said his father, Keeyon Layton. "This was a murder and he did not deserve to die."
The killing occurred about eight blocks north of Cabrillo High School, where Brooks was a student.
Police identified the suspect as 18-year-old Giovanny Montelongo of Long Beach. He was being interviewed by detectives and was scheduled to be booked at the conclusion.
This incident occurred across the street from Stephens Middle School as children were being let out, and numerous parents were in the area picking-up their kids. Detectives believe many parents witnessed some or all of the incident, and want them to come forward.
Although this incident did not occur on a school campus, the LBPD was working closely with Long Beach Unified School District, and grief counseling support was to be provided to any students in need.
Michael Larkin contributed to this report