The Manor community is reeling after a tragic incident at Manor Senior High School on Tuesday afternoon, where 18-year-old student Darrin Loving passed away after being stabbed multiple times in the chest by a fellow classmate.
Authorities identified the suspect as 18-year-old Mac Brown Mbah Mbanwei, who was arrested and charged with murder. He is currently being held without bond at the Travis County Jail.
Emergency responders arrived on the scene at 12:47 p.m., performing life-saving measures on Darrin, but he was pronounced dead at 1:12 p.m. The incident, which took place in a school setting, has left both the school and the larger Manor community in a state of shock and grief.
According to the Manor Police Department, the fatal attack appears to be an isolated event, posing no further threat to students or the public. However, police are still actively investigating the circumstances that led to the incident, including interviewing multiple students who witnessed the attack.
In response to the tragedy, Manor Independent School District officials made the decision to cancel classes at Manor Senior High School on Wednesday and Thursday.
Neighboring campuses that also serve high school students—Manor Early College High School and Manor High School—will also be closed, allowing students and staff time to grieve.
Counselors will be available for students needing support; they can meet with counselors at Manor Early College High School on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and at Manor High School on Thursday within the same hours. The district has emphasized its commitment to prioritizing student well-being and is reviewing campus security in light of the incident.
The shocking nature of the event has reverberated through the Manor community, raising concerns among parents and students alike. Tina Salinas, a local parent, expressed her anxiety over how a weapon was brought onto campus.
She shared that she and her son had prayed for the victim, Darrin, as well as for the suspect involved, emphasizing the need for peace and safety within school environments.
This tragedy highlights a rare but deeply unsettling instance of student violence on school grounds. The only other fatal stabbing of a student in the Austin area occurred in 2003 when 15-year-old Ortralla Mosley was tragically killed in a high school hallway.
The Manor community now mourns the loss of a young life and looks to heal from this heartbreaking event.
