16-year-old victim ID'd, suspect surrenders in stabbing at New Rochelle Dunkin' Donuts
NEW ROCHELLE, New York (WABC) -- The suspect wanted in a deadly stabbing of a teenager inside a Dunkin' Donuts in Westchester County surrendered to police Thursday after authorities publicly identified her.
Sixteen-year-old Z'Inah Brown turned herself in to New Rochelle police and was booked for second-degree murder in the death of 16-year-old Valeree Megan Schwab. Authorities say she made no statements, and the district attorney's office will ultimately decide what charges she will face.
The stabbing happened inside the Dunkin' Donuts on North Avenue just before 12:30 p.m. Wednesday.
Investigators said the incident began with a confrontation outside involving five or six young people, Schwab and her male companion. It then continued at the Dunkin' Donuts.
There was an argument, according to police, that ended with Brown stabbing the Schwab twice in the left side with what police believe is a steak knife.
Schwab was rushed to Jacobi Medical Center, where she later died.
Students tell Eyewitness News the victim was being bullied and fought back, spraying those harassing her with pepper spray, and that is when she was stabbed.
They are all believed to be New Rochelle High School students, with the incident happening about a half mile away from the school. Grief counselors and extra security were on hand Thursday.
The school district released the following statement:
"The City School District of New Rochelle is saddened by the incident on North Avenue today in which a New Rochelle High School student was stabbed. The student was not in school today and the incident did not happen on school grounds. New Rochelle High School and School District officials are cooperating fully with the New Rochelle Police Department in this matter. The High School and District will make counselors, social workers and other professionals available for students and staff who require assistance for as long as is necessary. All other information about the incident should come from the New Rochelle Police Department."
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the New Rochelle Police Department's General Investigations Unit at 914-654-2270.
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