Homicide at Montgomery High School

On Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at 11:11 am, the Santa Rosa Police Department’s Communication Center received calls from the staff at Montgomery High School regarding a fight between students and a possible stabbing. Officers arrived on scene at 11:15 am.  When officers arrived on the scene, they contacted two juvenile male students that had been stabbed. An officer began life saving efforts with one of the students before both students were transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. Ultimately, one of the students will survive their injuries, but unfortunately, one of the students was pronounced dead at the hospital.

While at the high school, officers obtained information about the suspect and where he was seen fleeing. SRPD officers, with the assistance of the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office helicopter Henry-1, located the suspect hiding near the creek at Highway 12 and Farmers Lane. Officers were able to take the suspect into custody without incident.

What We Know Today
The SRPD Violent Crime Team is handling the investigation and Field and Evidence Technicians processed the crime scene. Around 11:00 am, two 16-year-old male Montgomery Juniors walked into an art class that they were not attending. An argument and fight ensued inside the class with a 15-year-old freshman. The teacher and three aides were able to briefly breakup the fight, but the three students quickly began fighting again. The 15-year-old brandished a knife and stabbed both 16-year-olds. The 15-year-old then fled the classroom and ran northeast from the Montgomery High School campus. Both injured students walked to the school’s medical office.

SRPD detectives are investigating the cause of the incident and the relationship between the students. Anyone who witness the fight/homicide is encouraged to speak with SRPD detectives. Additionally, detectives are interested in any video footage that might have been taken before and during the incident. Witnesses can reach out to SRPD detectives at 707-543-3590.

Victims

• A 16-year-old male and Junior from Montgomery High School sustained at least one stab wound and will survive his injuries
• Jayden Jess Pienta, a 16-year-old male and Junior from Montgomery High School, sustained at least three stab wounds and was pronounced dead at a local hospital

• 187 PC – (Felony) Homicide
• 664/187 PC – (Felony) Attempted Homicide
• 626.10(a)(1) PC – (Felony) Weapon on a School Campus
• 243.2(a)(1) PC – (Misdemeanor) Battery on a School Campus

This is an ongoing investigation, and more information will be released when it is available. Media inquiries can be directed to Sergeant Christopher Mahurin at 707-975-0129 or cmahurin@srcity.org