Hackensack Teens Charged After Brutal Stabbing Near Police Station

Aunt claims bullying led to attack as both teens face serious assault and weapons charges

Apr. 4, 2026 at 1:11am

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An extreme close-up of a bloody knife blade, the harsh lighting and dark background creating a stark, gritty aesthetic that conceptually represents the violence and investigation surrounding this crime incident.A brutal stabbing near a police station exposes the complex web of youth violence, bullying, and the criminal justice system's response.Hackensack Today

A 16-year-old was stabbed seven times near a police station in Hackensack, New Jersey, and now both he and the 18-year-old suspect are facing serious charges. The teen's aunt says he needed three hours of surgery after the attack and that the family had previously reported bullying incidents to school administrators, who claimed they could not get involved since most happened off campus.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing issues with youth violence and bullying in the Hackensack community, as well as the challenges schools face in addressing off-campus incidents. It also raises questions about the role of law enforcement and the juvenile justice system in responding to such cases.

The details

According to the Bergen County Prosecutor, the 16-year-old victim swung a machete at Joaquin Morris Jr., 18, during a fight near Central and Union avenues. Morris then stabbed the teen in the torso. The injured teen was found a block away and taken to the hospital, where he underwent three hours of surgery. Both teens now face serious assault and weapons charges.

  • The incident occurred around 3 p.m. on April 4, 2026 near the intersection of Central and Union avenues in Hackensack.
  • The 16-year-old victim was found a block away at the intersection of State Street and Banta Place.

The players

Luz Diaz

The 16-year-old victim's aunt, who spoke at a City Council meeting hours after the stabbing and claims the family had previously reported bullying incidents to school administrators.

Mark Musella

The Bergen County Prosecutor, who provided details about the charges against the two teens involved in the stabbing incident.

Joaquin Morris Jr.

The 18-year-old suspect who is charged with stabbing the 16-year-old victim.

The 16-year-old victim

The teen who was stabbed seven times and needed three hours of surgery, and is now facing his own assault and weapons charges.

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What they’re saying

“Before the stabbing, I tried to report previous incidents to school administrators, who told me they could not get involved because most of the incidents happened outside the school.”

— Luz Diaz, Aunt of 16-year-old victim

“The teen was charged Wednesday as a juvenile with one count of second-degree aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, one count of third-degree possession of a weapon for unlawful purpose and one count of fourth-degree possession of a weapon.”

— Mark Musella, Bergen County Prosecutor

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Joaquin Morris Jr. to be released on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges schools and communities face in addressing youth violence and bullying, especially when incidents occur off-campus. It also raises questions about the juvenile justice system's role in responding to such cases and the need for better coordination between schools, law enforcement, and families.