Woman stabbed multiple times outside North Philadelphia school

NORTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Detectives were on the scene of a fatal stabbing on the grounds of Dobbins High School in North Philadelphia.

The victim was found on the property of the high school in the area of 21st and Lehigh Avenue.

Police say she was a 34-year-old woman.

She suffered stab wounds all over her legs, torso and chest, and they believe she may have been sexually assaulted.

When she was found by a passerby around 3:20 a.m. Saturday, police say she was covered in blood and partially clothed.

Police were out fighting against torrential rain and high wind gusts before dawn, trying to collect evidence before it was damaged by rain.

As for a weapon, police say a knife handle without a blade was taken into evidence.

Philadelphia Police Captain Drew Techner said, "This was a brutal savage attack. Someone wanted to make sure she suffered and was killed."

Paramedics tried unsuccessfully to revive her.

Somebody didn't stop at once or twice or 3 times. They just kept stabbing this woman all throughout her body from her chest to her vaginal area.

From belongings found in the park, police believe they've identified the victim as a woman from the neighborhood.

That frightens Dayna Harris who has a 19-year-old daughter.

"She walks these same streets going to and from work working overnight, catching buses. I can't imagine something like this happening to anybody," Harris said.

As investigators search for suspects, they hope nearby surveillance cameras offer clues.

Meanwhile Harris is holding her children closer, as her heart breaks for the victim.

"A woman out there, trying to survive, live, on her way to work, play, whatever. She deserved to make it to her destination," Harris said.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to contact Philadelphia Police.

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