Youth charged with attempted murder

Lethbridge Police have charged a 12-year-old boy with the attempted murder of his younger brother.

On August 27, just after 4:30 p.m., police responded to a report that a seven-year-old boy had been stabbed at a northside residence. A 911 call was made after the victim’s father arrived home and located his seven-year-old son in serious medical distress. The victim’s 12-year-old brother said an unknown male had entered the home and stabbed the child before fleeing the scene. The victim was transported by EMS to Chinook Regional Hospital with critical injuries and later airlifted to the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton. 

Following the initial response, police determined very early in the investigation there was no ongoing risk to neighbours or the public. 

The investigation was assumed by the Criminal Investigation Section and during a search of the property police seized a knife, believed to be used in the incident. As the investigation progressed, evidence was obtained indicating the 12-year-old boy stabbed his brother repeatedly while the two were alone in the home and believed he had killed him, then lied about an intruder being responsible for the attack.

A 12-year-old boy, who cannot be identified under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, has been charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault. The boy is currently in custody awaiting a Judicial Interim Release hearing. 

Child and Family Services have been contacted and family members connected with the Victim/Witness Services Unit for additional support. 

The seven-year-old victim remains in hospital in stable condition.

Police thank Alberta Health Services, the Edmonton Police Service and RCMP for their assistance.

The investigation is ongoing. No further information will be released.