Who was Naima Liggon? Maryland teen, 16, stabbed to death over argument about sweet and sour dipping sauce
WASHINGTON, DC: Naima Liggon, a 16-year-old, was reportedly stabbed to death outside a McDonald's in the Washington, DC area over a disagreement about sweet and sour dipping sauce on Sunday, August 27.
The incident took place around 2 am at a popular nightlife spot, according to the Metropolitan police, the New York Post reported. Liggon hailed from Waldorf, Maryland.
Detective Brendan Jasper told the court during a hearing on Monday, August 28, that the incident occurred due to an argument over dipping sauce between Liggon and her companion, and the suspect, a 16-year-old girl.
Why was Naima Liggon stabbed to death?
The argument got worse when Liggon and her friend struck the suspect, who initially did not retaliate, outside the U Street NW McDonald's.
Surveillance footage showed the suspect unexpectedly "lunged" at Liggon and her companion as they were entering a vehicle.
The suspect then pulled out a 7-and-a-half-inch pocketknife and stabbed Liggon in her chest and abdomen. Although she was rushed to a hospital by private means she died.
The incident took place on the eve of Liggon's return to Thomas Stone High School after summer break.
The 16-year-old suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed due to her age, has been arrested and is being held without bail until her next court appearance.
She was charged with second-degree murder but she has entered a plea of not involved, the juvenile equivalent of not guilty.
DC Superior Court Judge Sherri Beatty Arthur's said, “At the end of the day, someone is dead over a dispute over sauce.”
Reports indicated that the suspect had a knife on her person when police nabbed her.
Prosecutor Priscilla Guerrero said, “She was the only person who brought a knife to a fistfight.” The suspect's attorneys alleged she acted in self-defense.
Officials impose curfew for minors
DC authorities have imposed a curfew for minors aged 16 and below, in several places, including the U Street area. It is slated to commence on Friday, September 1, from 11 pm on weeknights and midnights on weekends.
Liggon's death marks the 13th instance this year where individuals under 18 have died in Washington due to other minors.
A neighbor, whose son was close friends with Liggon, described the teenager as "a beautiful person."
“She was the first friend [my son] met when he arrived here. It’s just – it was a shock for us because she’s a beautiful person. She had a great personality, always laughing – a lot of laughter,” Rickey Graves said.
Graves added, “Her mom – very friendly, beautiful people. So, I’m just shocked that this kind of thing would happen to her.”