Arizona State University student stabbed twice while entering classroom in random attack

An Arizona State University student is in the hospital after being stabbed by a female classmate — who was looking for someone to knife and attacked the victim for being an “easier target.”

Mara Daffron,19, was stabbed last Thursday after Kaci Sloan,19, jumped from her seat and plunged a knife into her twice as she entered a classroom in Glendale, Arizona, 12 News, AZ Central and FOX 10 Phoenix reported.

Sloan was allegedly deciding between two different people to attack in class, but decided to go after Daffron because Sloan “believed the victim was an easier target,” court documents obtained 12 News said.

Kaci Sloan is facing charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and disorderly conduct with a weapon. Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office

Daffron was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after the stabbing and underwent surgery after the attack, police said.

Sloan was arrested soon after in connection with the stabbing, the ASU Police Department said.

Sloan came to class planning to hurt someone, according to court documents obtained by 12 News, although her exact motive remains unclear.

“The defendant admitted she came to class to hurt somebody and was planning the attack since the night prior,” the documents said according to the outlet.

“This planning included placing the knife used in the attack in her backpack to bring to school. The defendant told detectives she knew the victim’s first name but did not know anything else about her. “

“She knew the victim from a prior class and shared a class with her this semester,” the documents said.

The victim did not know why she was targeted. Launi Schriner-Daffron/Facebook

A GoFundMe was set up for 19-year-old Mara Daffron following the attack. Launi Schriner-Daffron/Facebook

Daffron did not know who had attacked her or why she was targeted by Sloan, according to the documents. 

Sloan is facing charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and disorderly conduct with a weapon, according to court records.

She is being held on $250,000 cash bond, an ASU spokesperson told PEOPLE Magazine.

Neighbors set up a GoFundMe for Daffron to support her family through the difficult time.

“We know Mara will come out stronger than ever from this unimaginable attack,” the GoFundMe states.

“She is making great progress and is on the mend.”

Sloan is set to return to court on Sep. 30.

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