El Monte, California — A 15-year-old Rosemead High School student and promising football player was fatally stabbed during a brawl near an elementary school on July 10, 2026. Aziel Zacapala, known as “AZ” to friends and family, was one of three people stabbed in the incident on Fern Street around 1 p.m. He later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

Two other victims, a 16-year-old boy and a young adult man, were also hospitalized with stab wounds and are expected to survive. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and El Monte Police Department are investigating the fight, which broke out outside Potrero School. No arrests have been announced as homicide detectives continue their search for the suspect(s).

Family members described Aziel as a beloved nephew, friend, son, and high school football player with big dreams of making it to the NFL. Just days before the tragedy, he was playing football with friends at a Fourth of July event. A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family with funeral expenses.

The stabbing has left the community in shock, with calls for justice and an end to youth violence. Rosemead High School and local residents are mourning the loss of a bright young athlete whose life was cut short.

Sources: KTLA