Suspect in teen's fatal stabbing at New Rochelle Dunkin' Donuts appears in court
NEW ROCHELLE, New York (WABC) -- A teenager accused of fatally stabbing a classmate in Westchester County made her first appearance in court Wednesday.
Z'Inah Brown said nothing as she faced a judge on second-degree murder charges.
Police say she stabbed 16-year-old Valeree Megan Schwab after a confrontation at a Dunkin' Donuts in New Rochelle. She surrendered after police publicly identified her.
Brown's appearance lasted about five minutes, and cameras were not permitted inside the court room.
Defense attorneys waived Brown's right to a felony hearing, clearing the way for prosecutors to begin grand jury proceedings in the coming days. As part of the deal, the prosecution agreed to hand over two unspecified surveillance videos to the defense.
There were roughly two dozen students from New Rochelle High School present. They hid their faces and said nothing as they left the courthouse.
Brown's aunt gave a brief statement outside court, claiming the stabbing was an accident.
"It's a tragedy for both families," she said.
Authorities said there was an argument that preceded the incident, which they say ended with Brown stabbing Schwab twice in the left side with what police believe is a steak knife.
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.
Schwab's funeral was held Monday morning, with family, friends and loved ones packing the church in Pelham to remember the bright, outspoken teen who loved music.
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