MABLETON, Ga. — A Cobb County community is in mourning after a deadly stabbing took the life of a 17-year-old boy.
Police said the victim was stabbed at a home on Milam Creek Road in Mableton. The city’s mayor identified the victim as David Daniel.
Channel 2’s Cory James spoke to neighbors Monday for WSB Tonight at 11 p.m. They say it is a tight-knit community, and they are just in shock over what happened.
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Officers arrested a 16-year-old boy, whose name has not been released. Police said the suspect stabbed Daniel in the torso during an argument related to basketball.
“That’s no excuse for you to stab somebody for no entire reason,” said Courtney Hines, a friend of the victim.
Hines said she’s in shock after reading a text message her classmate is accused of sending before the stabbing.
The messages had a picture of what appears to be a weapon and said things like “He’s bleeding everywhere,” “I think he dying” and “He came banging on my door.”
According to Cobb County police, the stabbing took place Saturday around 5:40 p.m. on the front porch of a home. The teen ran for help a few doors down.
Hines, who is also a classmate of the suspect, mentioned that the altercation was over a basketball game and a bet.
“They were fighting. They were arguing about the game. Apparently they made a wager. They made a bet,” she said.
Channel 2 Action News was told the teen arrested for the stabbing was on the varsity basketball team.
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The Cobb County School District has stated that counselors will be available to support students and staff following the tragedy.
Freshman Max Oquendo noted the emotional impact at Pebblebrook High School, where both teens attended, saying, “A lot of teachers were crying, a lot of students were crying.”
Plans are underway to honor Daniel with a special color and possible balloon release Thursday.
“David could have became who knows a fashion designer, his own clothing brand,” Hines said.
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