Authorities have charged a 17-year-old with murder after a 15-year-old boy was fatally stabbed during a crowded house party on Long Island earlier this month.
According to the Suffolk County Police Department, a large gathering of about 90 to 100 teenagers was underway in West Babylon, N.Y., on Nov. 3 when a fight erupted.
During the altercation, 15-year-old Liam Delemo was stabbed. He was taken to a hospital but later died from his injuries.
On Monday, Nov. 10, police announced they had arrested a 17-year-old male suspect. His name has not been released due to his age. NBC4 reported that he is a student at Syosset High School.
The teenager has been charged with second-degree murder and, if convicted, faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
Delemo’s parents spoke with CBS New York and shared that their son was still conscious when they arrived at the home after being notified of the incident.
“He was stabbed once in the left side of the gut and he had a huge slice down the left side of his arm,” Mike Delemo told the outlet. “My son is laid out on a deck bleeding, basically, at that point, to death.”
CBS New York reported that Delemo was a junior at West Babylon High School and an honor student.
A GoFundMe has been created to help the family cover funeral expenses. The fundraiser describes Liam as someone whose “laughter, kindness, and pure heart brought light to all around him,” adding that his absence will be deeply felt by everyone who knew him.
The message also urges the community to support his parents, Michael and Hope, as they endure an unimaginable loss.
According to reports from CBS, Fox 5 and The New York Times, police have also arrested Bonnie Miranda, the homeowner who allegedly allowed her grandchild to host the party. She is charged with endangering the welfare of a child and violating the county’s social host law. Her plea status is currently unknown.
