5-year-old boy fatally stabs his twin brother during a fight in California
A 5-year-old Northern California boy died after authorities say his twin brother stabbed him with a knife during a sibling fight.
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office reported that officers responded to a home in the small town of Scotts Valley shortly before 4 p.m. Wednesday for a report of a stabbing.
Home in the Santa Cruz Mountains, about 30 miles south of downtown San Jose.
Fighting “like brothers and sisters sometimes do”
According to a news release, arriving officers learned that 5-year-old twins were fighting “like siblings sometimes do,” the release states.
At one point, the release continues, one of the boys grabbed a small kitchen knife and stabbed his twin.
Despite rescue efforts by first responders and hospital staff, the 5-year-old boy later died at the hospital.
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No charges will be laid for fatal stabbing
Following a preliminary investigation by investigators from the sheriff’s office and the local prosecutor’s office, authorities said no charges would be filed in connection with the boy’s death.
“California law states that age, criminal intent and knowledge of wrongfulness are necessary factors in charging a child with a crime,” the release said. “Based on the ongoing investigation, there is no indication of negligence or criminal activity on the part of any other party. We are heartbroken for the family of these two young children and share their grief.”
Officials said no further details were being released about the case and asked the family for privacy while they grieve.
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Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Contact her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
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