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Family Mourns Loss Of South East High School Senior

LYNWOOD (CBS) — Family and friends are mourning the loss of a senior who died after being stabbed several times at South East High School.

Cindi Santana
Victim Cindi Santana

Cindi Santana, 17, succumbed to her wounds hours after police say she was stabbed by her boyfriend in the school courtyard Friday afternoon.

"Just a wonderful, amazing student at South Gate," LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy said. "The family is beyond grieved. It's the worst thing you can imagine could happen to you. I spent some time with them and my heart is broken."

Police identified the suspect as 18-year-old Abraham Lopez, a fellow senior at South East High School.

He was arrested immediately following the incident and through further investigation, was believed to may have also placed an explosive device in one of Santana's family members' cars.

That led to an hour-long search at Saint Francis Medical Center in Lynwood, one that turned up nothing.

KNX 1070's Ed Mertz reported that two others -- a student and a school dean -- were injured while trying to stop the attack. They have since been released from the hospital.

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"When something like this develops, you know, it's difficult to understand it if somebody gets stabbed. But then when we lose a student as a result of that, let's face it, there isn't anything worse," LAUSD Police Chief Steven Zipperman said.

Meantime, grief counselors will be made available to students at South East High School on Monday, as well as to the victim's family.

RELATED POSTS:
» Girl Stabbed At South East High School Succumbs To Her Wounds
» Multiple Stabbings At High School In South Gate; School On Lockdown

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