A 17-year-old boy was killed in a stabbing in Oceanside Thursday night, police confirmed.
Oceanside police say the deadly assault happened around 8:45 p.m. at a parking lot in the 200 block of Mission Avenue, just west of the railroad tracks.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found a teenage victim suffering from at least one stab wound. He was taken to a local hospital, but later died. The minor’s identity has not been released.
According to homicide detectives, two groups of individuals were involved in a verbal confrontation prior to the stabbing. Detectives say witnesses in the area reported hearing rival gang challenges between the groups before the fight.
The stabbing is under investigation, but police say there is no documentation indicating that the teenage victim was affiliated with any criminal street gang.
The Oceanside Police Department has set up an anonymous tip line for those witnesses who wish to come forward with more information about the incident. That number is (760) 435-4730.
Photo Credit: NBC 7 San Diego