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Stabbing At Party In Pontiac Turns Deadly

17-Year-Old Daniel Esponzia Accused Of Killing 16-Year-Old Mathew Acuna

PONTIAC, Mich. – A 17-year-old is accused of stabbing another teen to death early Sunday morning during a fight at a party in Pontiac.

Daniel Esponzia is charged with open murder in connection with the death of 16-year-old Mathew Acuna.

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Police said Esponzia stabbed Acuna at the Center Stage venue on North Perry Street at about 1 a.m.

Acuna died from his injuries at Pontiac Osteopathic Hospital.

"All we want is justice for him," said Acuna's aunt, Sheena Acuna-Gutierrez. "I mean, there's nothing that could bring Mathew back."

She said she disputes reports that the 16-year-old caused trouble because he was an uninvited guest at the party.

"My nephew did not break that party up. He was invited. The party was not for a 10-year-old, it was for a 15-year-old. So, all we want, if the story is going to be said, it get said right."

Esponzia, an Auburn Hills resident, is also charged with felony firearm and possession of a controlled substance. He was denied bond at his arraignment. Prosecutors said he has a history of drug abuse and gang activity.

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