Gateway Superintendent Dr. Cleveland Steward, Jr. released a statement this morning regarding this tragedy. You can read it below or on the Gateway School District web site.

STATEMENT ON AUGUST 15 TRAGEDY FROM GATEWAY SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT DR. CLEVELAND STEWARD, JR.

MONROEVILLE, Pa. (Aug. 16) — I speak for the entire Gateway Community when I say how shocked and deeply saddened we are by this terrible tragedy. I wish to express my deepest sympathies to everyone affected by this event. Their wellbeing is in our hearts and in our prayers and I want them to know that we stand willing to assist them in any way that we can.

As a school district, our first priority today is to provide support for the students and families affected by this tragedy. Counseling services are now available for any members of the Gateway community who need help to deal with their feelings of grief, shock and confusion.

Grief counseling centers will be available at Gateway High School, Gateway Middle School and Moss Side Middle School in Monroeville from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and tomorrow. Counseling centers will also be available Monday through Thursday of next week from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Counselors will also be available for parents to help them talk with their children about this tragedy.

If additional times or locations are necessary, information will be posted on the district's website at www.gatewayk12.org.

At this point, we do not know the circumstances surrounding this incident. The investigation into this tragedy is being conducted by local law enforcement authorities. At this time, it would not be appropriate for the District to comment on the investigation or provide additional information on the young people involved.

From the Pittsburgh Trib:

After a tumultuous two-year relationship, Demi Cuccia mustered the courage Monday to break up with John Mullarkey, her friends said. On Wednesday, Mullarkey fatally stabbed her at her Elliott Road home before slashing his own throat in an apparent murder-suicide attempt, police said.

Mullarkey was in critical condition last night after surgery at Allegheny General Hospital in the North Side, said Monroeville police Chief George Polnar, who expects charges to be filed in a few days.

While I have never met Demi, I am an acquaintance of her mom, Jodi. My heart goes out to this family. Jodi is a kind and loving mother and I know that she must be totally devastated over the loss of her beautiful daughter. This was such an unnecessary tragedy. There are no words that can bring comfort at a time like this. It is said that time heals all wounds. I don't believe that time will ever heal this wound.

I have said a prayer that I hope God will answer. I have prayed that He help this family though this tragic time in their lives.

Demi was a beautiful girl. She was a daughter, sister, and friend. She will be missed by all.

Police filed homicide charges Sunday against an 18-year-old Monroeville man accused of stabbing his 16-year-old cheerleader girlfriend to death and then trying to kill himself. The charges were filed shortly before about 1,500 people gathered at Gateway High School to remember Demi Brae Cuccia, the Pittsburgh Trib reports.
The suspect, John Mullarkey Jr., is under police guard at his bed at Allegheny General Hospital, North Side, said Monroeville assistant police Chief Doug Cole.

You can leave an online tribute in the Living Tributes guestbook and also post a comment on YourMonroeville.com.

From the Pittsburgh Trib:

Hundreds pour into church for cheerleader's funeral

Demi Cuccia's obituary

Demi Cuccia's 'beautiful spirit' mourned (8/21)