The Kissimmee Police Department announced overnight it's made an arrest in the stabbing death of a 16-year-old girl.
Anas Muhammad, 17, has been arrested and charged with the murder of 16-year-old Paola Pagan, an Osceola High School student. Muhammad is an upstairs neighbor of the victim at the Kensington Apartments, police say, where the attack occurred Thursday morning. The victim was treated on scene and taken to HCA Florida Osceola Hospital, where she died of her injuries.
During the investigation, KPS said it detectives identified Anas Muhammad as a person of interest. Muhammad ultimately confessed to stabbing Pagan and led detectives to evidence related to the crime. He was arrested and taken to the Juvenile Detention Center in Orange County, where officials say Muhammad is being held on no bond.
(The News-Gazette is only showing the mugshot of a juvenile because he has been charged with a felony in the case.)
“Our detectives have worked tirelessly during the day and throughout the night to bring justice to Paola and her family, and I am proud of their professionalism and dedication to bring this case to a close,” said Chief Jeff O’Dell.
A motive has not been released.
8:30 A.M. UPDATE: Osceola High, where the victim attended school, released this message:
"With the unexpected passing of a student yesterday, our Kowboy family is grieving with her parents, and our thoughts are with the family at this time of sadness.
Grief counselors were available yesterday at the school, and they will be available today to talk to any student or staff member who may have difficulty with the news. Parents can also contact their child's guidance counselor if they need additional information in helping their child through the grieving process.
We ask that everyone keep this student’s family in their thoughts as we all continue to heal from this loss in the upcoming days and weeks ahead."
Check back on this story for updates.
