15-Year-Old Charged with Murder After Deadly Stabbing on Ohio State Campus

The teen allegedly stabbed a 19-year-old during a confrontation on the university's turf fields.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 4:52am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a single bloody knife blade against a pitch-black background, creating a stark, gritty, investigative aesthetic.A brutal act of violence on a college campus raises urgent questions about campus safety and juvenile justice.Columbus Today

A 15-year-old is facing murder charges after allegedly fatally stabbing another teenager on the campus of Ohio State University. The incident occurred on the university's turf fields, where the teen was playing with friends when another group arrived, sparking a confrontation. The teen then allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed 19-year-old Guilliani 'Gio' Olguin Jacinto in the chest, resulting in Jacinto's death. The teen was taken into custody shortly after the incident and has admitted to bringing the knife and stabbing the victim.

Why it matters

This incident marks the first homicide on Ohio State's campus since 2010, raising concerns about campus safety and the potential for violence involving non-affiliated individuals. The case also highlights the complex issues surrounding juvenile offenders and whether they should be tried as adults.

The details

According to authorities, the 15-year-old suspect was playing with friends on the turf fields behind Lincoln Tower on the Ohio State campus around 7:45 p.m. on Friday when another group arrived, sparking a confrontation. The teen then allegedly pulled out a knife and stabbed Jacinto in the chest. Jacinto later died from his injuries. University police stopped a vehicle just five minutes after the stabbing and took the teen into custody. The teen reportedly admitted to bringing the knife and stabbing the victim, as well as disposing of the knife before fleeing the scene.

  • The incident occurred around 7:45 p.m. on Friday, April 15, 2026.
  • University police stopped a vehicle and took the teen into custody just five minutes after the stabbing.

The players

Guilliani 'Gio' Olguin Jacinto

A 19-year-old who was fatally stabbed during the incident on the Ohio State campus.

The 15-year-old suspect

A teenager who is facing murder charges for allegedly stabbing Jacinto to death on the Ohio State campus.

Lukas Bachus

The prosecutor handling the case against the 15-year-old suspect.

Brian Joslyn

The defense attorney for the 15-year-old suspect, who claims the stabbing was an act of self-defense.

Kayla Bollinger

A freshman at Ohio State who expressed surprise that the university did not send a campus-wide alert about the incident.

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What they’re saying

“'The youth produced a knife, stabbed the victim in the chest, and fled the area.'”

— Lukas Bachus, Prosecutor

“'While in custody, the youth voluntarily stated to the officers he brought the knife and stabbed the victim. He also admitted to disposing of the knife after the stabbing but prior to the fleeing.'”

— Lukas Bachus, Prosecutor

“'I have seen one video already where it appears my client and his friends are being attacked in the video, and then my client is running from the attackers.'”

— Brian Joslyn, Defense Attorney

“'We were a little surprised that we did not get a Buckeye Alert or the school didn't reach out to us, and we found out through a Snapchat story.'”

— Kayla Bollinger, Ohio State Freshman

What’s next

Prosecutors have requested that the 15-year-old suspect be tried as an adult, but he is currently being held at a juvenile detention center before his next court appearance.

The takeaway

This tragic incident on Ohio State's campus highlights the need for improved campus safety measures and communication protocols, as well as the complex legal and societal issues surrounding juvenile offenders and acts of violence.