Second Teen Arrested in Milpitas High School Stabbing

A second teen has been arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of 17-year-old Jarred Jon Banting Cavan near Milpitas High School. The community is mourning the loss as details of the tragic incident continue to emerge.

Community Mourns Jarred Cavan

Friends and family gathered at a memorial near Milpitas High School on Thursday, April 2, 2026, to remember Jarred Cavan. The stabbing occurred just outside the high school campus, leaving the community grappling with the aftermath of the violence.

Charges and Potential Transfer to Adult Court

The primary suspect, a minor whose name has not been released, has been charged in Santa Clara County Juvenile Court with murder and assault with a deadly weapon. The prosecution alleges a knife was used in the attack, which took place on March 31.

Detention Hearing and Prosecutor's Intent

During a detention hearing on Friday, Superior Court Judge Christopher Van Meir ordered the suspect to remain in Juvenile Hall custody. Supervising Deputy District Attorney Alex Adams announced the intention to petition for the case to be transferred to adult criminal court.

If approved, the teen could face significantly harsher penalties, potentially including a prison sentence. A decision on the transfer petition is not expected for several months, with a court hearing scheduled for May 28 to review a probation report.

Defense Argues Against Transfer

Brian Matthews, representing the teen defendant from the county Alternate Defender’s Office, argued against the transfer. He cited research on adolescent brain development, stating that individuals under 25 have underdeveloped cognitive abilities and that the juvenile court system is equipped to handle the case.

Second Arrest Made in Ontario, California

Milpitas police announced on Friday the arrest of a 16-year-old boy in Ontario, California, in connection with the stabbing. Details regarding his involvement have not been released, and he has not yet been formally charged.

Details of the Incident

The stabbing was reported around 3:50 p.m. on Tuesday in the 200 block of Vienna Drive, approximately 100 yards from the high school’s athletic fields. Jarred Cavan succumbed to his injuries at a hospital. A 16-year-old girl from San Jose, also injured in the incident, received treatment and was released.

Both the charged teen and the victims were students in the Milpitas Unified School District, which has deferred all inquiries to the police department. Investigators have confirmed that bystanders captured portions of the confrontation on video.

School Response and Support

Milpitas High Principal Greg Wohlman released a statement limiting public information to respect the family and preserve the integrity of the police investigation. He directed students seeking support to counseling services and mental health specialists, expressing condolences to the community.

A memorial has been erected at the site of the stabbing, adorned with candles, balloons, flowers, and messages of tribute.