Suspect identified in fatal Sonoma State University stabbing

ByWayne Freedman and Amy Hollyfield KGO logo
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
Suspect identified in Sonoma State University stabbing that left 1 dead
Police in the North Bay said they made an arrest after a man was fatally stabbed at Sonoma State University.

ROHNERT PARK, Calif. (KGO) -- Police said they arrested a suspect who allegedly stabbed a man to death at Sonoma State University on Sunday.

During a press conference Monday, Sonoma police identified the suspect as a 19-year-old man named Tyler J. Bratton from Santa Rosa. The victim was a 26-year-old man from Santa Rosa.

Petaluma Police Lt. Tim Lyons said that both the suspect and victim knew each other, but he did not elaborate.

VIDEO: Police say suspect arrested after deadly stabbing at Sonoma State University

Police said they arrested a suspect who allegedly stabbed a man to death at Sonoma State University.

Police received reports of the stabbing at 5:53 p.m. in the Sauvignon Village residential community. The stabbing happened in a dorm on campus, but there was no sign of forced entry.

Students described the stabbing as a distracting and unsettling disruption, especially during finals week. "We began the school year with the campus surrounded by flames," one student said. "Now this."

"Counselors were immediately available on site to support students," Sonoma State University President Judy K. Sakaki said.

Petaluma police will release the victim's name after they notify his family. They have yet to disclose a motive.

Police said the suspect and man killed in the stabbing are not students at the university.

Bay City News contributed to this story.