Boy, 16, charged with second-degree murder

OSHAWA — Durham Regional Police have charged a 16-year-old boy with second-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of a 17-year-old boy in Oshawa Thursday afternoon.

Police rushed to the area of Harmony and Taunton Rds. around 3 p.m. Witnesses told police the victim was involved in a verbal altercation with the suspect, which led to the stabbing.

When police officers arrived, they found the victim, with stab wounds and no vital signs. He was rushed to hospital where he was later pronounced dead.

He has been identified as Neveithan Baskaran.

He is Durham Region’s first homicide victim of 2018.

The suspect made a brief court appearance on Friday. His identity has not been released as it is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

The Durham District School Board has confirmed the two were students at Maxwell Heights Secondary School. In a statement, the board said it is an isolated incident and the school remains a safe learning environment. The school is providing support to students and staff today.

Police continue to be on scene as they look for evidence. They are still urging witnesses to come forward and speak to investigators.

Anyone with new information is asked to contact police at 1-888-5791520 or call Crime Stoppers.