Teen girl killed at Wilmington’s Howard High [video/photos]

A 16-year-old girl is dead following a “serious assault” at Howard High School of Technology in Wilmington this morning. 

The high school sophomore from New Castle, who was not named, was airlifted to A.I. duPont Children’s Hospital, where she died from her injuries.

Wilmington Mayor Dennis Williams, Police Chief Bobby Cummings and school leaders held a news conference at the school, where Mayor Williams fought back tears.

“My heart is broken. I am so upset that a young lady lost her life today,” Williams said. “Things like this shouldn’t happen. My heart bleeds for the family, the kids that go to this school and the administrators and our city.”

Wilmington police officers were called to the high school at 401 E. 12th St. around 8:15 a.m. after a physical fight broke out in a girls bathroom, just as classes were about to begin.

Principal Stanley Spoor said, “We believe that there were two other students involved in the incident. They are currently being questioned by the Wilmington Police Department, who are conducting the investigation.”

“Everyone we believe that was involved in this incident, they’re at the police station at this point,” Wilmington Police Chief Bobby Cummings echoed. “It’s an unbelievable incident. We’re just trying to get to what took place and see if we can get some understanding out of it,” said Cummings, who said a weapon was not used in the assault.

Classes were canceled for the day and students were dismissed early at 10:15 a.m. School officials are still weighing whether to hold classes tomorrow.

WHYY was scheduled to host a Wilmington mayoral debate focused on public safety at the school. The debate has been canceled.