College-aged Suspect in Custody After Fatal California State University Stabbing
A college-aged individual suspected of stabbing a man to death inside a Sonoma State University residential complex Sunday evening is currently in the custody of the police.
According to Sonoma authorities, campus police and fire fighters arrived at the Sauvignon Village residential community after receiving numerous alerts about the stabbing.
CBS San Francisco reports that fire fighters declared the victim dead as at 6:06 p.m. PT. Police officials apprehended the suspect and subsequently determined that there was no further risk to student populace.
According to Sonoma State University’s Twitter account, finals will begin on Monday as per scheduled.
Sonoma State remains open. Finals will proceed as scheduled. See below for the latest update. pic.twitter.com/DyEQE1kEnc
— Sonoma State University (@SSU_1961) May 14, 2018
Kyle Stickels, a Sonoma State student, recounted to CBS San Francisco the brief encounter he had with the alleged suspect as the latter fled the scene. Stickels recalled how “his arm was all bloody and he was carrying a knife. And I just kind of stared at him. And he looked at me and he said, ‘I was attacked.’ ” However, Stickels became suspicious when he realized that although the individual was covered in blood, he didn’t seem injured.
In response to the inquiry by CBS San Francisco as to whether he believed the individual in custody is the assailant, Stickels replied “I believe it. But I’d have to talk to the authorities to get further confirmation on that.”
During a news conference Monday, Sonoma officials identified the suspect as Tyler J. Bratton, a 19-year-old male who hails from Santa Rosa. It remains unknown as to whether Bratton and the victim were students enrolled at Sonoma State University.
Police authorities have stated that grief counselors are available to students at campus residences.
