DUVAL COUNTY, Fla. – Duval County Public Schools Superintendent Nikolai Vitti is speaking about a report of bullying linked to a stabbing that happened at Wolfson High School last week.
Jean-Pierre Marckenson was arrested last Wednesday and charged with stabbing Michael Johnson before the start of classes.
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Marckenson told Channel 4 that Johnson was bullying him, and he said he used the knife for protection after Johnson began hitting him.
Jean-Pierre's parents said they were trying to call the principal the morning of the incident, but could not get through.
Vitti said students and parents should alert school officials at the first sign of some kind of conflict.
"So we can bring the parents in or the guardians in and do a conflict resolution or mediation to prevent this kind of violence from happening in our schools," said Dr. Vitti.
Vitti said the district is still investigating the stabbing at Wolfson. Marckenson faces a criminal charge of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
Johnson was taken to a local hospital and is expected to recover.
Vitti told Channel 4 that Johnson is suspended, but could face further punishment.