19-Year-Old Sentenced to Year in Jail for Santa Fe High School Stabbing

On July 23, David Teague, 19, was convicted of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, possession of a weapon on school property and interfering with an educational institution. 

Facing up to 20 years in prison, Teague entered into a plea agreement with the Eighth Judicial Circuit State Attorney’s Office. Teague pleaded no-contest and was sentenced to 364 days in jail followed by six years of probation. Judge Robert Groeb accepted the agreement. 

The police report states that while in the Santa Fe High School courtyard, Teague was involved in a verbal altercation with the victim. Teague "ran toward" the victim, who then “threw an unknown liquid toward” toward Teague, prompting a physical altercation in which Teague stabbed the victim.

In a prior bond motion, Teague’s attorney argued that surveillance footage shows Teague acted in self defense, further stating the victim “accepted a bounty of $20 to batter” Teague. According to Teague's attorney, his client was not running towards the victim, but attempting to run past the victim when he struck Teague with the liquid. Teague's attorney indicated that his client only pulled out the knife after being struck several times in the head, and that the victim was "much larger." Teague's attorney also said that the victim was released from the hospital the same day he was admitted, with his most significant injury being a wound that was three millimeters in depth.

As part of the plea agreement, Teague will receive no time-served credit for the months he’s been in jail since his arrest in October 2025. He’ll also be required to undergo a mental health evaluation and follow recommended treatment.