Arizona State University's West Valley campus was the scene of a violent altercation last Thursday when 19-year-old Kaci Sloan stabbed fellow student Mara Daffron in a classroom setting. According to FOX 10 Phoenix, Sloan has been charged with premeditated attempted murder among other felony counts, following the incident that left Daffron requiring surgery for a punctured spleen.
Despite not knowing her attacker, Daffron was targeted by Sloan, who chose her over another potential victim — a veteran deemed a less easy target, as stated in court records reported by FOX 10 Phoenix. Sloan, who admitted to planning the attack since the night prior, armed herself with a knife she placed in her backpack. Witnesses restrained Sloan after watching her attack as Daffron entered the classroom.
Daffron's family has confirmed that "Mara is still recovering," as per a statement obtained by 12News. The nature of this attack seems unprovoked, with Sloan admitting to officers that she had previously felt "disgusted" by her thoughts of harming others. However, something changed the night before the stabbing that led her to believe her problems "would go away" by hurting someone.
A GoFundMe page has been setup to support Daffron's medical expenses, details of which can be found by clicking on provided links. Sloan's admitted internal battle with thoughts of violence ultimately culminated in an action that would bring trauma to another and unintended consequences upon herself. More information regarding the case and ways to support the victim is available for those interested in helping during this difficult time.
