Parent of student who witnessed Black Hawk Middle School stabbing speaks out

WARRENTON, Mo. (First Alert 4) - It’s a parent’s worst nightmare realizing their child might be in danger, and it’s even more concerning to realize their child witnessed it.

Kim Evola’s two kids attend Black Hawk Middle School in Warrenton. She spoke with First Alert 4 about what her eighth-grade son said he remembers from witnessing the stabbing.

The Warrenton Police Department said a student stabbed a teacher and two other students inside a classroom at Black Hawk Middle School just before 8 a.m. Thursday.

READ: Students recount their experience after 2 students, teacher stabbed at Warren County middle school

Superintendent of the Warrenton County R-III School District, Dr. Gregg Klinginsmith, told First Alert 4 that the student was late to class.

Police said after the stabbing, the student fled and was arrested in the parking lot of nearby Daniel Boone Elementary.

Parent describes learning of the incident

Parents learned of the incident moments after the stabbing.

“You feel so helpless. You can’t do anything for your kids at that moment,” said Evola, whose son witnessed the incident.

Evola works an hour away. Her two children attend the middle school. Minutes after the stabbing, she texted with her stepdaughter.

Evola asked, “Are you okay?” Her stepdaughter replied, “Yeah, I think.”

Evola’s eighth-grade son witnessed the incident.

“He was at his locker in the hallway and right next to the classroom. I guess the kid was late to class. The teacher let him in and chaos kind of erupted. He said he heard noises and then kids started running out,” Evola said.

Victims

All three victims of the stabbing were treated for their injuries.

One male student was airlifted to Cardinal Glennon and is in serious but stable condition. A teacher was also transferred to a hospital and later released.

Another male student was stabbed in the hand. He is the son of the district superintendent.

Vigil

A vigil was held across the street from the school Thursday night to give the community the chance to come together to pray for the students and teacher who were injured and to help begin the healing process.

“And just knowing we’re all here together no matter what happens, no matter the tragedy and no matter the circumstance,” said Chloe Behrens one of the vigil organizers.