No Charges In North Forsyth High Stabbing That Took The Life Of 16-Year-Old Cameron Graham
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Forsyth County officials say the fatal school stabbing that shocked North Forsyth High earlier this week will not result in criminal charges — after investigators ruled the 18-year-old involved acted in self-defense.
During a Thursday press conference, District Attorney Jim O’Neil announced that his office would not prosecute the older teen in the death of 16-year-old Cameron Graham.
According to Lt. Sloan with the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, the school’s SRO rushed to a restroom area on Tuesday, December 9, after reports of a stabbing. First responders tried to save Graham’s life — but the injuries were too severe.
A second student, the 18-year-old involved in the fight, was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Lt. Sloan told reporters that deputies interviewed “dozens of witnesses” and reviewed school surveillance footage and cell phone videos in the hours after the attack.
They learned that a fight that spiraled out over a THC vape pen, turning deadly when Graham pulled a knife.
During the scuffle, the DA said both teens struggled for control of the blade. The 18-year-old suffered deep cuts to his hands, described as classic “defensive wounds,” while Graham received the single fatal stab wound to his chest.
Officials say the injury happened while both teens were physically wrestling for the knife.
DA: “THESE TWO WERE FRIENDS… WHICH MAKES THIS EVEN MORE TRAGIC”
DA O’Neil emphasized that this wasn’t a beef between strangers — the boys were friends who rode the bus together, talked that morning, and were well acquainted.
“Many people in the community don’t understand that that the 18-year-old, upon seeing that his friend was stabbed and laying on the ground, tried to render aid, tried to pack the wound and keep pressure on it,” O’Neil said.
Investigators say the older teen later broke down crying when police informed him that Graham had died.
“This was not an intentional act on behalf of the 18-year-old, it was not,” O’Neil insisted. “There’s not a shred of evidence to suggest that this was anymore than an accident.”
O’Neil said the law is clear: the 18-year-old had the right to defend himself once the knife was introduced.
But despite being cleared, the teen has reportedly faced retaliation and threats from people in the community — something the DA says will not be tolerated.
“What happened at North Forsyth this week was an accident, DA Oneil said. “It was unintentional.”
Graham’s family is devastated.
His aunt, Charlita Summers, told WXII that Cameron was a “good boy” who loved sports, loved people, and was a “beacon of light” in their neighborhood.
Summers said Cameron was raised by his grandmother, who instilled faith and structure in him, but he struggled emotionally with his parents not being present in his life.
“I don’t hate the boy who did this to my nephew. I don’t hate him at all, but for the simple fact I can’t hug my nephew. I can’t hear his voice anymore. I can’t feel his touch. I just feel like I’m in a dream.”
A GoFundMe has been started to help the family during this heartbreaking time.
