Teen mourned after found fatally stabbed inside park in Sleepy Hollow

Kristin Thorne Image
Sunday, October 11, 2015
Teen fataly stabbed in Sleepy Hollow
Kristin Thorne has the latest on a teenager stabbed to death in Sleepy Hollow.

SLEEPY HOLLOW (WABC) -- A community is mourning the death of a teenager fatally stabbed in Sleepy Hollow in Westchester County.

A memorial has been set up at the scene where 17-year-old Tahj Robinson, a former student at Sleepy Hollow High School, was killed.

On Saturday night, friends gathered in Barnhart Park, where police say they discovered Robinson suffering from stab wounds. He was taken to the hospital where he later died.

"It's sad to say that, someone you know for such a long time, that you've invited over to your house, and had played video games with, someone that you're so close - you're never going to see again," says classmate Isaac Newland.

Police say the suspect, 16-year-old Berinzon Moronta of Tarrytown has ties to the community. Moronta was arrested in Yonkers, hours after Robinson was found in the park. Police say it was apparently a fight between the teens that led to the stabbing.

Now, as a community grieves, investigators will continue their search for answers.

"This was just a senseless act that we need to heal from as a community," says Police Chief Gregory Camp.

Saturday's homecoming football game was postponed because of the stabbing. School officials say counselors will be on hand to speak with students on Sunday and Monday. Classes are set to resume on Tuesday.

Robinson was a well-loved athlete at the school, playing basketball and football.

A reverend at the local church planned to address the stabbing in her sermon Sunday morning. "I was going to preach about something in terms of what's important in life and all of a sudden it's put right in front of you what matters in our life and I feel like for us as a community to care for our young people to be there for them," said Rev. Susan Copley of Christ Episcopal Church.