In a chilling and seemingly senseless act of violence, a 19-year-old Arizona State University student, Mara Daffron, found herself the target of a random stabbing attack by fellow student Kaci Sloan. The incident occurred on September 19, as Daffron walked into her classroom in Glendale. Without warning, Sloan leapt from her seat and stabbed Daffron twice in front of horrified classmates.
The attack might have continued if not for the heroic intervention of another student, Matthew McCormick, who managed to wrestle Sloan away before she could land a third blow. Daffron, bleeding from her wounds, fled to a nearby courtyard where paramedics swiftly arrived to provide emergency care. She was then rushed to Banner Thunderbird Hospital, where doctors performed surgery to treat injuries to her tricep and spleen. According to family updates, the young Sports Business student faces a long road to recovery, though she is making progress and is now recovering at home.
ASU West student Mara Daffron was stabbed twice last week while in class.
She was released from the hospital yesterday.
Tonight, hear from a classmate who intervened and helped save Mara from further injury.
That story at 9/10 on @FOX10Phoenix pic.twitter.com/lXM5H5HXKI
— Nicole Krasean (@NicoleK_Fox10) September 27, 2024
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, though police revealed chilling details from their investigation. Sloan had allegedly planned the attack the night before and had considered targeting another classmate, but ultimately chose Daffron because she viewed her as an “easier target.” Sloan told police that her other target was a veteran. A note found in Sloan’s backpack hinted cryptically at her intention to “commit,” though it did not specify what that meant. In a disturbing admission during her police interview, Sloan confessed that she came to class with the intention to “hurt somebody,” revealing that Daffron was simply a victim of her twisted decision-making process.
Sloan’s behavior has shocked the ASU community, as no clear motive has surfaced to explain why she snapped. She didn’t know much about Daffron, other than her first name, and even admitted to police that she had debated between two potential victims. Her choice of Daffron, based on perceived vulnerability, highlights the randomness and terrifying nature of the attack.
Matthew McCormick, the student who intervened, reflected on the quick response by everyone in the classroom. “As she was going for a third attack, I was able to grab her wrists and apprehend her before further damage could be done,” he said.
Sloan now faces several charges, including attempted first-degree murder. During her initial court appearance, prosecutors likened her actions to those of a school shooter, underlining the gravity of the crime. She has been booked into Maricopa County Jail with bail set at $250,000.
As Daffron recovers physically from the attack, the emotional toll on her and her family is clear. Her mother, Launi Daffron, expressed their collective shock, telling *DailyMail.com* that the family is still reeling from the traumatic incident. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help with Mara’s medical expenses and recovery, as she continues to heal from both the physical and emotional wounds of that terrifying day.
For those who witnessed the attack, the question of what led Sloan to commit such an act lingers. While investigators continue to search for answers, the ASU community remains shaken, grappling with the reality of an unprovoked act of violence in what should have been a routine day at school.
