Teachers return to Franklin Regional HS after mass stabbing; 4 remain in critical

MURRYSVILLE, Pa. — Teachers returned to work Monday for the first time since a mass stabbing at Franklin Regional High School last week.

Before they entered the school Monday morning, many of them began their day with a prayer service at a nearby church.

Students will be able to visit he school with their families on Tuesday and the school will return to its normal scheduled on Wednesday.

Franklin Regional School District officials said counselors will be available throughout the week.

The school has been closed since Wednesday, after police said sophomore Alex Hribal stabbed 21 students and one security guard.

Over the last few days, many of the injured were released from area hospitals. As of Monday afternoon, four of the victims remained in critical condition.

One of those victims, 17-year-old Jared Boger, has had four surgeries since the attack.  Doctors said Boger is showing signs of improvement.

Laura Thomson, whose daughter saw the chaos last week, said she’s avoided talking about it.

“I’m not sure that they are really dealing with it yet. Maybe when they go back into the school, it will hit them a little more,” Thomson said.

Parent Jeff Mauro said people need to remember Hribal and his family because they also need support.

“They are good people, and they’re hurting too. I’m hoping they get help for this young man and his family. These 20 kids will heal, but I don’t know if those people will heal,” Mauro said.

Hribal has been charged with four counts of attempted homicide and 21 counts of aggravated assault. He is currently in a juvenile facility, but is being charged as an adult. Hribal’s attorney said his client will undergo a psychiatric evaluation.

WPXI