Student charged in stabbing was bullied, mom says

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DUCHESNE, Utah (AP) — The mother of a Utah high school student charged with stabbing a classmate in May says her son was violently bullied by other students due to his mental and physical disabilities.

Donna King told the Deseret News (http://bit.ly/1uqiwhr ) she met with Duchesne High School administrators three times in April to voice concerns about her 18-year-old son's safety.

She says her autistic son has a disorder that makes his physically weaker than others his age, and those disabilities made her son a target of bullying by students, including the one who was stabbed.

Leland King waived his right to a preliminary hearing Friday in 8th District Court. He has been charged with felony aggravated assault on school premises and misdemeanor possession of a dangerous weapon on school premises.

A 17-year-old classmate underwent surgery after being stabbed in the back and arm, and is recovering from his injuries.

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Information from: Deseret News, http://www.deseretnews.com