'I Forgive Him': Francis Tuttle Technology Center Stabbing Victim Shares His Experience

An Edmond teenager is back home safe after a scary incident at Francis Tuttle this morning. The boy was stabbed in a school bathroom on Friday morning.   

School helps students reach their goals.    

“I’ve always wanted to be an engineer,” said Aiden Hepner, a Deer Creek High School student. 

Hepner knows exactly what to strive for.  His passion sparked when he flew for the first time. “This phenomenon of flight is so interesting,” Hepner said. “I want to build this.”  

It’s why the Deer Creek High School sophomore also attends the Francis Tuttle Technology Center.   

“A lot of the stuff I’m learning there will go into practical use,” Hepner said. Hepner said he didn’t think he’d have to learn how to survive. Fifteen minutes into Hepner Friday inside a Francis Tuttle bathroom his life hung in the balance. 

“At first, I thought that it was somebody that had gripped my shoulder; that it was somebody that I knew,” Hepner said. “There was something in my arm. I begged him to stop.”  

 According to Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office another student stabbed Aiden in the shoulder.   “He said not a single word to me,” Hepner said. “I’ve never seen this man in my entire life.”  

A school resource officer arrested the man moments later. “We do believe this is an isolated incident,” said Deputy Aaron Brilbeck with the Oklahoma County Sheriff’s Office. 

Hepner went to OU Medical. “Thirteen stitches in the left shoulder,” Hepner said. Hepner’s reflection on this day might surprise some people.  

“I’m glad that it was me because I know a lot of other people in that school that would’ve died in that bathroom,” Hepner said. 

It doesn’t surprise his mom, Khristen. “His kindness has always really been there,” she said. “I’m just really proud.   

Most people would ask why something like this would happen, but Hepner said there’s a lesson that can be taken away from a moment like this.  

“Instead of him going to jail for however long,” Hepner said. “I honestly just want to see him get better.”  

Hepner believes there’s good in everyone’s heart no matter what they might do.   

“I honestly just wanna give him a hug because I know that he’s hurting,” Hepner said. 

Aiden’s faith teaches him that a big step toward healing is forgiveness. “Everything happens for a reason,” Hepner said. “I forgive him for what he did.”