Woodrow Wilson High School senior stabbed to death in El Sereno

Xavier Chavarin, a 17-year-old student at Woodrow Wilson Senior High School in El Sereno, was fatally stabbed in the back of his neck on Friday, March 3, according to a report from the Los Angeles County Coroner.

His death was ruled a homicide, the report stated, and a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Unified School District said that the LAPD is investigating the homicide.

LAPD Public Information Officer Rosario Cervantes confirmed that there is an ongoing homicide investigation following the fatal stabbing of a 17-year-old male that took place at 3:55 p.m. on March 3 on the 4500 block of Valley Boulevard. The suspect fled in a vehicle, she added.

The incident took place outside of King Torta Mexican restaurant, located within walking distance of Woodrow Wilson High School, and where a memorial has been established for Chavarin with photos, flowers and prayer candles.

His tragic death has been met with an outpouring of grief and outrage on social media and a GoFundMe has been launched to cover the boy’s funeral services.

“I am saddened to report the recent death of one of our students off campus,” wrote Dr. Gregorio Verbera, the principal of Woodrow Wilson Senior High School, in a March 3 letter to the school community. “On behalf of our entire school community, I want to offer my deepest condolences to those who are impacted by this loss, including the student’s family, friends and teachers.”

Starting Monday, Woodrow Wilson students are allowed to request a pass to visit the Counseling Office during class or they can walk in during lunch time or passing periods, Verbera wrote. Students and families can also call the Student and Family Wellness hotline at 213-241-3840 Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., he added.

“The death of someone close to us can affect us deeply,” said Verbera. “Let’s support each other through this difficult time.”

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