Alexandria High School Student Killed In Off-Campus Fight Identified

ALEXANDRIA, VA — Alexandria City Public Schools has identified the teenager stabbed to death during a large fight near Alexandria City High School on Tuesday afternoon.

According to Alexandria City High School Executive Principal Peter Balas, Luis Mejia Hernandez, a senior at Alexandria City High School, has been identified as the victim.

"Today, the administrative and support teams met with teachers and staff who work with Luis. In addition, the administration met with all ACHS staff at the end of the school day to discuss the incidents of the day," Balas said in an email to Alexandria City High School families.

"On behalf of the entire Titan staff, I would like to express our deepest condolences and sympathies to Luis’ family and loved ones. Luis will be deeply missed, and will always and forever be a Titan," he continued.

Shortly before 12:30 p.m., Alexandria police said they responded to a large group fight in the 3600 block of King Street. During the fight, police said Hernandez was critically injured and taken to an area hospital, where he died from his injuries.

The fight involved 30 to 50 people happened outside a McDonald’s at the Bradlee Shopping Center in the 3600 block of King Street, police told The Washington Post.

Balas said ACHS is working to put support measures in place for our students and staff with the ACPS Department of Student Services and Equity and the Department of Human Resources.

Students are also encouraged to reach out to a counselor, administrator or any trusted adult in ACHS if they are in need of help. Students can also reach out to CrisisText and Crisis Link at any time, 24/7, through the contacts below:

• Text: CONNECT to 85511
• Call CrisisLink: 703-527-4077

Following the incident, Balas also said that students at all four campuses of ACHS will transition to asynchronous virtual learning Wednesday. All ACHS students should log into their accounts in Canvas or Clever for information specific to their courses.

"Transitioning to virtual learning for our students tomorrow [Wednesday] will allow our school community the time and space to grieve and process this loss," he said. "We will have support team members from the schools, Department of Student Services & Equity and the City’s Department of Community and Human Services available on site for anyone who needs that support."

Police also ask anyone who may have information related to this case to contact APD Detective Christine Escobar via phone at 703.746.6819, email at Christine.Escobar@alexandriava.gov, or call our non-emergency line at 703.746.4444. Tips can be anonymous.