Kaci Sloan, a student at Arizona State University, entered a not-guilty plea in Maricopa County after being accused of stabbing a fellow student twice in a classroom in a seemingly random attack. Initially charged with four counts, including first-degree attempted murder, Sloan now faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and disorderly conduct following a preliminary hearing. The judge set her cash bail at $250,000 and outlined conditions for her release if she is able to post bail.
During the attack, which occurred on September 19, Sloan allegedly stabbed her classmate, Mara Daffron, multiple times without any provocation or words spoken. Matthew McCormick, another student who witnessed the attack, quickly intervened, potentially saving Daffron’s life by grabbing Sloan’s wrists as she attempted a third attack. Police corroborated McCormick’s account with witness statements, one of whom disarmed Sloan and threw the knife away, while another kicked it to the back of the classroom.
Authorities found a handwritten note inside Sloan’s backpack that referenced an impending act, but did not specify what it was. Sloan reportedly admitted to detectives that she came to class with the intention of hurting somebody and had been planning the attack since the night prior. She allegedly targeted Daffron because she was considered an easier target compared to another person Sloan apparently considered attacking, who she referred to as a veteran.
Following the incident, Daffron was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment, while Sloan was immediately detained and arrested on suspicion of first-degree attempted murder, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, interfering with an educational institution, and disorderly conduct. The ASU West Valley community expressed deep sadness over the incident and offered counseling support to all students, faculty, and staff. Sloan is scheduled for an initial pretrial conference on November 21.
The rapid response and intervention of witnesses like Matthew McCormick played a crucial role in preventing further harm during the stabbing attack at Arizona State University. The actions of those present in the classroom, including a professor, who disarmed Sloan and removed the weapon from the scene, demonstrate the importance of swift and decisive action in such situations. The handwritten note found in Sloan’s possession, along with her subsequent admission to detectives about planning the attack in advance, shed light on the premeditated nature of the incident.
The legal proceedings against Kaci Sloan will continue as she faces charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and disorderly conduct in connection with the stabbing. The evidence gathered by police, including witness statements and Sloan’s own admission, will likely be key factors in determining the outcome of the case. The support and counseling services offered by Arizona State University in the wake of the attack highlight the importance of providing resources and assistance to those affected by traumatic events on campus. As the investigation unfolds, more details may emerge regarding the motivations and circumstances surrounding the shocking incident.
