Austin Experiences Tragic Incident at Manor Senior High School
AUSTIN – In a shocking and tragic event, an 18-year-old student from the Manor Independent School District is facing a first-degree murder charge after allegedly fatally stabbing a fellow classmate in the bathroom of Manor Senior High School. This incident took place during a busy school lunch period, leaving the community in disbelief and sorrow.
According to court records, the victim, identified as Darrin Loving, sustained multiple stab wounds from a kitchen knife. A Manor ISD school resource officer was patrolling the campus when he found Loving bleeding near the lunch area. The officer quickly administered first aid until emergency medical services arrived, but sadly, Loving was pronounced dead shortly after.
“He was a smart, loving, ambitious, soft giant. He loved to help people. He loved to walk. He loved to be adventurous. He was just a beautiful soul, a beautiful human being,” said Loving’s sister, Donya Green, sharing heartfelt memories of her brother.
Loving was reported to have been receiving special education services and had a speech impediment due to a medical issue, which shows the depth of the tragedy as many in his life cherished him greatly.
On the day of the incident, the school resource officer reported hearing students yelling about another student, Mac Brown Mbanwei, possessing a knife. Upon investigation, the officer found Mbanwei with a knife in his hand, leading to his immediate arrest.
School Safety Protocols Under Scrutiny
As the investigation continues, attention is turning toward school safety measures. Manor ISD had two District Police Officers and one Safety Officer present on campus during the time of the incident. The district stated that the number of officers can vary based on the school’s size and scheduled events, aiming to maintain a safe environment for students.
Investigators revealed that the blood splatter indicated that the altercation began in the boy’s bathroom and then moved to the hallway by the lunch area. Surveillance footage shows Loving and Mbanwei leaving the restroom, prompting concerns about the adequacy of supervision in these often bustling areas.
Green expressed her frustration, stating, “Someone should have been there. Someone should have been occupying the bathrooms. Someone should have been outside those bathrooms.” This sentiment is echoed by many community members who are now questioning the effectiveness of school monitoring protocols.
When asked about their specific procedures for monitoring students during key times like lunch, Manor ISD provided generalized safety protocols. They explained that various security measures are in place, including designated campus safety officers, security camera coverage, and regular safety checks of entrances and exits. However, they did not provide detailed processes for bathroom supervision.
Community Mourning and Future Plans
As news of the tragedy spreads, there is a palpable sense of grief within the school and the greater community. The district has announced plans to hold a vigil in memory of Loving on Friday, allowing students and faculty a chance to come together and honor his life.
Manor ISD’s Superintendent, Robert Sormani, expressed the district’s heartbreak over the incident, referring to it as “truly a tragedy.” Following the events, classes at Manor Senior High School have been suspended until the following Monday, giving students and staff time to process and cope with the loss.
In light of what has occurred, the district has committed to revising their safety plans and communicating thoroughly with families about steps being taken to ensure student safety upon their return.
This incident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of safety in schools and the impact that violence can have on communities, forever changing the lives of those involved.
