by Rob Nagle
The 14-year-old boy who was arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of 14-year-old Rashawn Williams on Tuesday will be tried for murder as a juvenile, according to a source in law enforcement. Williams was stabbed outside a corner store at 26th and Folsom streets after buying candy with his two younger brothers. The suspect reportedly attended the same middle school as Williams and there was some kind of longtime conflict between the two, including possible threats made toward Williams on social media.
Williams had been a 4.0 student at Horace Mann Middle School and was just starting his freshman year at Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory high school.
A memorial at the site of the stabbing has been steadily growing this week as many friends and family left candles and flowers to pay their respects.
Police announced an arrest in the case Wednesday. Because the suspect is also a minor, his name was not released to the public.
In California, in cases such as murder, someone who is at least 14 years old can be tried as an adult and face a harsher sentence. However, in this case the suspect will be tried as a juvenile.
The District Attorney’s Office could not comment on the case because of the rules pertaining to juvenile suspects.