UPDATE: The Harris County Sheriff's Office confirms Thursday that the fatal altercation was motivated by a gang rivalry. No further details are offered.
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Spring High School remains closed Thursday morning following a tragic stabbing that left one student dead and several others injured.
Luis Alonzo Alfaro told Harris County investigators he fatally stabbed fellow student Joshua Broussard near the school cafeteria Wednesday morning. The 17-year-old suspect — who is considered an adult by Texas law — remains in jail on a $150,000 bond.
According to KHOU Ch. 11, Alfaro explained to detectives that troubles began when he bumped shoulders with the victim. An argument ensued and escalated into a fist fight. The suspect said he produced a pocket knife and waved it back and forth while covering his face with his other arm.
Witnesses told authorities that the altercation grew from tensions between two rival student groups.
Broussard died in the scuffle, as Alfaro unsuccessfully fled the scene. Three additional students were injured and taken to area hospitals, where they were treated and later released.
Witnesses told authorities that the altercation grew from existing tensions between two groups of students who reportedly fought earlier in the week.
Some witnesses suggested to Fox 26 that the incident was a product of the school's alleged issues with gang-related activity. Rumors circulated that Broussard was an innocent bystander caught between rival factions.
Responding to the unconfirmed reports of gang violence, Harris County Sheriff Adrian Garcia stressed during a Wednesday press conference that no conclusions have been reached and that an investigation is ongoing.
Alfaro has not yet been assigned an attorney and is expected to appear in court on Friday, according to public records.
Watch the KHOU Ch. 11 report:
Luis Alonzo Alfaro, 17, admitting to stabbing a fellow Spring High School student on Wednesday.
