5-year-old boy fatally stabs twin brother with kitchen knife in California

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In a heartbreaking incident, a 5-year-old stabbed his twin brother to death during a fight between the pair. The tragic news was announced by the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office in a Facebook post on Thursday, November 16.

The twin brothers were engaged in a fight

Deputies from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office rushed to the family home located on Tucker Road in rural Scotts Valley just before 4:00 pm on Wednesday, as reported by the sheriff’s office. Upon arrival, officers discovered that the twin brothers were engaged in a fight, during which one of them, a 5-year-old, grabbed a small kitchen knife and stabbed his twin.

Despite “life-saving efforts” by deputies and first responders, the child was then taken to the hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The sheriff’s office clarified that their investigation found “no indication of negligence or criminal activity by any other party.”

‘No charges will be filed against anyone involved’

The ongoing investigation by the Sheriff’s Office indicates that the child was unaware of the wrongfulness of his actions. “In coordination with the District Attorney’s Office and in light of all circumstances discovered by our investigators, no charges will be filed against anyone involved. California law dictates that age, criminal intent, and knowledge of wrongfulness are factors needed to charge a child with a crime (PC 26 and W&I 602),” their statement further explained. 

California’s Penal Code Section 26 outlines situations where individuals are deemed “not capable of committing crimes.” This includes “children under the age of 14, in the absence of clear proof that at the time of committing the act charged against them, they knew its wrongfulness.” As per California Welfare and Institutions Code 602, any minor under 12 years old accused of offenses, including murder, falls under the jurisdiction of the juvenile court.

The Sheriff’s Office requested the public to respect the family’s privacy

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office told People that they won’t give more details about the case as of now and requested the public to respect the family’s privacy. In their statement, they said, “We are heartbroken for the family of these two young children and share in their grief.” The release also asked for privacy for the family “during this difficult time.”

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