Ventura County

Newbury Park Football Player Dies After Stabbing

A student at Newbury Park High School stabbed in the parking lot of a Taco Bell in Camarillo died Tuesday, a day after the attack.

A 20-year-old man was arrested in connection with the murder.

Morales was stabbed to death in the parking lot of the Taco Bell at Adolfo and Flynn roads in Camarillo Monday afternoon. Witnesses said two groups of people were seen arguing before the attack.

Morales was hospitalized, but died Tuesday after undergoing surgery.

One student told NBC4 that the news was shocking. Sixteen-year-old Morales had been set to play varsity football this year, and his classmate said he was looking forward to a promising future.

"I was really devastated to get the news,” Morales’ classmate said. “It gave me the chills. It's really sad. It looked like he had a really bright future in front of him."

Ventura County Sheriff's investigators said the suspect, Tyler James Ostertag, was taken into custody at a Riverside motel and he has been booked into Ventura County Jail with bail set at $1 million.

The motive for the stabbing remains unclear, but investigators said it does not appear to be gang related.

Morales played junior varsity football at Camarillo High School, but had moved and was on the Newbury Park High School roster this season.

The district has made counselors available for students at both high schools.

Conejo Valley Unified School District Superintendent Ann Bonitatibus issued this statement that read in part:

"Any student death is a loss to the entire school community. Our prays and thoughts go out to family and friends.”

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