Stabbed at work: Help Samiyah Recover
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Stabbed at Work: Help Samiyah Heal
On June 26, 2025, Samiyah Knoten, a 22-year-old preschool teacher and college senior, was brutally stabbed multiple times by her 16-year-old coworker, Jillian Barnes, during work hours at Fairview Christian Academy in Los Angeles, California.
Samiyah was working her summer job — a role she’s held seasonally for a few years — pouring love, patience, and dedication into her classroom. Samiyah showed up each day with purpose, nurturing children and creating a safe space for growth and learning.
But that day, during an unscheduled staff meeting, everything changed. Samiyah was stabbed multiple times by her 16-year-old classroom assistant, Jillian Barnes.
Yes — this happened to Samiyah at 3:20 PM while she was work
Yes — Samiyah was stabbed by Jillian her assistant; someone assigned to provide additional classroom support.
Why— Jillian did not want to accept redirection from Samiyah on how to complete assigned task appropriately.
Yes — Jillian Barnes has a history of violent, aggressive behaviors.
Yes — Jillian ran away & fled the scene after stabbing Samiyah.
To be clear, I'm not sure if 911 was called but I do know staff placed Samiyah—bleeding, in shock—into a personal vehicle and drove her to a fire station!
☝Whats Happening Now...
Jillian’s parents are shielding her and refusing to cooperate with the police. As of today NO arrest has been made, and we are calling for immediate action: Jillian Barnes must be found, arrested, and charged accordingly for this violent crime. Samiyah deserves justice.
Samiyah’s Injuries Include:
• A punctured lung
• A lacerated spleen
• A torn diaphragm
• Multiple deep stab wounds
• Emergency surgery
• Chest tube insertion
• Total loss of mobility and independence
Meanwhile, Samiyah is now beginning the long journey of learning to sit up, walk, stand, and care for herself independently again. Basic daily tasks require assistance. Samiyah’s world has been turned upside down. She is in daily pain, enduring not just physical injuries but the emotional trauma of being attacked in a place she trusted.
Who Is Samiyah Knoten?
Samiyah is an honor student set to graduate from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, majoring in Family & Consumer Sciences with a concentration in Child Development in December 2025. She has been on the Dean’s List for the past three years even earning a 4.0 GPA last semester. Samiyah loves working with kids, her calling has always been nurturing children.
Samiyah has poured her love and light into early childhood education—serving classrooms, nurturing little ones, and motivated by excellence. She has spent the past five years passionately committed to early childhood education.
Why We Need Your Help Now
Our family is in a deep crisis. From the crisis of a chronic medical trauma, physical therapeutic needs, emotional trauma recovery, and ongoing support; we ask for your support. As Samiyah’s mother, I have not left her side since the attack.
This attack has not only impacted Samiyah's physical health, but also her emotional stability, her sense of safety, and possibly her ability to return to school and graduate as planned in December 2025.
This fundraiser supports:
• Samiyah’s ongoing medical care and physical recovery
• Therapy and emotional support services
• Daily living and education support while she is unable to work or attend school
• Travel and caregiver expenses for me; her mother, who has not left her side
• Legal advocacy to ensure justice is served
Samiyah is deeply loved by her students, fellow teachers, and the families she’s served. Working with children was not just a job for Samiyah—it was her purpose.
And now, she is fighting for her dignity and her future.
This is not just a plea for funds — it’s a cry for justice.
Samiyah deserves to recover without fear. Jillian Barnes must be arrested.
How You Can Support
• Donate: Every gift directly supports Samiyah’s recovery.
• Share: Spread this story and call for justice using your platform.
• Pray: Emotional and spiritual support means the world right now.
As Samiyah's mother, I’ve been by her side every moment since this happened. More than anything, I’m asking for your kindness—your support, your prayers, and your help making sure her story is seen and heard. I need your help—loudly and publicly. We are not just fighting for her healing; we’re demanding justice.
Let’s come together to support Samiyah, protect our educators. Today, I’m reaching out—not just for financial support, but for your strength, your voice, and your belief that together we can make this right.
With love and deep gratitude,
Latoya Boston
Samiyah’s Mother, Advocate, and Voice
#JusticeForSamiyah
#ArrestJillianBarnes
#RealMomsLive
#ProtectOurTeachers
Organizer
Latoya Boston
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA