Motive for Teen Stabbing ‘Will Come'

A 14-year-old Escondido boy, one of three teenagers suspected of attacking a 14-year-old girl last weekend, denied all charges against him Thursday during a hearing in juvenile court, according to the North County Times.

The victim is hospitalized at Rady Children's Hospital in stable but guarded condition.

Two teenaged girls were arrested by Escondido police Sunday night. The 14-year old boy was arrested Monday. All three are being held at juvenile detention centers.

The victim was home alone Sunday and called 911 after getting stabbed several times, police said. She was taken to Palomar Medical center, then airlifted to Rady Children's hospital.

Neighbors said the girl lives with her grandmother and mother. Esteben Arredondo, who lives next door to the teenager, said she's a student at Hidden Valley Middle School. The suspects and the victim do not all attend the same schools, police said.

Investigators have still not released a motive. They confirmed that a video gaming console was involved but they don't believe it caused the violence Sunday. Investigators say there may be romantic relationships between the teenagers but they don't believe the relationships led to the stabbing.

"We have a pretty clear understanding as to why this happened and it will come in the courts," Lt. Craig Carter told the North County Times.

At Thursday's arraignment, Superior Court Judge George W. Clarke denied defense attorney Richard Arroyo's request to have the teen released to his parents. Clarke did grant a request that the mother and father be allowed a special visit with their son at juvenile hall.

The next hearing is scheduled for June 3 when a judge may consider whether the suspects should be tried as adults.

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