Authorities are searching for those responsible after the attack killed 15-year-old Aziel Zacapala and left two other people hospitalized.
EL MONTE, CA — A 15-year-old Rosemead High School student died after he and two other people were stabbed during an altercation near a school in El Monte, authorities and family members said.
Aziel Zacapala was taken to a hospital after the violence was reported at about 1 p.m. July 10. He later died from his injuries. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is assisting the El Monte Police Department with the homicide investigation, and no arrests had been announced as investigators searched for a suspect or suspects.
Authorities initially reported the stabbing in the 2600 block of North Potrero Avenue, near Potrero School. Another police account placed the response in the nearby 9700 block of Fern Street. Officials have not publicly explained what started the altercation or how many people may have taken part.
A 16-year-old boy and a young man were also taken to hospitals after the stabbing. Authorities did not immediately release their names. Police later said the two surviving victims were expected to recover, but further details about their injuries were not released.
A nearby resident told NBC Los Angeles that he saw three people fighting in the area and told them to stop before going inside. He later returned outside and saw a large police presence. Investigators had not confirmed whether the fight described by the resident was the same altercation that led to the stabbing.
Zacapala’s family said he was a student and football player at Rosemead High School. Relatives and members of the school community remembered him as a dedicated athlete who hoped to play football at a higher level. He was known to family and friends as “AZ.”
Vincent Holguim, a Rosemead High School football coach, told CBS Los Angeles that Zacapala was an important part of the team and had been expected to take on a larger role during the coming season. Family members said he cared deeply about football and had formed close relationships with his teammates.
Maria Aguilar, Zacapala’s mother, said she wanted justice for her son and answers about the violence that led to his death. Other relatives described the killing as a sudden and devastating loss for the teenager’s family, friends, classmates and teammates.
State Sen. Susan Rubio issued a statement expressing sympathy for Zacapala’s family and school community. The Rosemead High School football program also shared information about an online fundraiser organized to help the family with expenses following his death.
Investigators had not released a description of a possible attacker or determined publicly whether more than one suspect was involved. Authorities also had not announced a possible motive. The case remained under investigation as of Friday.
Author note: Last updated July 17, 2026.