Days after a brawl erupted outside a New York pizzeria, an arrest has been made for the fatal stabbing of a 16-year-old.
Tyler Flach, 18, was arrested and charged with second-degree murder Wednesday in connection to the death of Khaseen Morris, 16, CBS New York reported.
Khaseen, an Oceanside High School Student, was stabbed to death after a fight broke out at a strip mall in Oceanside, New York Monday after school. The scuffle was reportedly prearranged after Morris was seen with another boy’s girlfriend, according to police.
Authorities also said Khassen was threatened into showing up at the location once school let out, and it was there that six or seven teens began whaling on him. Rather than helping, NBC News reported up to 60 teens gathered and filmed the incident on their cellphones. The footage was uploaded to social media.
“Kids stood here and didn’t help Khaseen,” Nassau County Detective Lt. Stephen Fitzpatrick said to reporters Tuesday. “They’d rather video. They videoed his death instead of helping him.”
Khaseen, who was one of two victims set upon by other teens, was stabbed once in the chest and later died. The other teen suffered a broken arm and head contusions.
“He didn’t deserve to go out like that,” the victim’s older sister, Keyanna Morris, said tearfully to CBS New York. “Everyone loved him and he loved everyone. He was amazing.”
On Thursday, Flach, who’s an aspiring rapper, pleaded not guilty in First District Court in Hempstead, New York, where Khaseen’s supporters and family members wore tie-dye and packed the courtroom, according to Newsday. Flach has been ordered held without bond.
“This defendant and his group of friends went looking for 16-year-old Khaseen Morris …this defendant attacked Mr. Morris, stabbed him in the chest …piercing his heart,” Senior Nassau Assistant District Attorney Ania Pulaski said asking the court to remand Flach.
Meanwhile, Flach’s attorney, Edward Sapone, said the Nassau Community College student has “very strong” ties to the community. Sapone also asked Judge Gary M. Carlton to place his client in protective custody
Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said he is not ruling out other arrests following Flach, who has two other past arrests. They include a May 23 road rage-related arrest that resulted in a third-degree assault charge and a Sept. 8 arrest for criminal possession of a controlled substance. Ryder said the cases are pending.
Regarding Flach’s arrest for Khaseen’s death, the victim sister said when she got the call from a Nassau County police homicide detective, “I broke down crying. Just tears of joy.”
“It’s going to be a long fight, but we’re going to be there every step of the way,” she said ahead of Flach’s arraignment.
Many offered sympathy to the family while others called for charges against onlookers. Tasha stated, “They should charge everyone as an accessory for just standing there and recording this tragedy. Jesus this is so sad what has the world come to.” Ida added, “It’s a damn shame that a video is more important than helping to save the life of someone who’s being assaulted and killed. This poor kid. Lord have mercy! My heart goes out to his mother and family members.”
😒caucasians... Wannabe rapper, known bully, Tyler Flach aka @ihateBabyty is facing 2nd degree murder for the murder of Khaseen Morris. Peace to the family of Khaseen🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾 #Oceanside #NY https://t.co/MapqOZ80Z8 pic.twitter.com/noY8I2wlqD
— ure_too_close (@ure_too_close) September 19, 2019