6-year-old stabs 2-year-old brother to death with kitchen knife, Illinois police say

Police in Illinois are investigating after they say a 2-year-old boy was fatally stabbed by his 6-year-old brother.

Around 5 p.m. Sept. 6, Joliet police were called to a home for reports of a 2-year-old who had been stabbed, according to a Sept. 7 news release from police.

When officers arrived, they found the 2-year-old with multiple stab wounds. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to police.

Authorities said the 6-year-old stabbed the toddler with a kitchen knife in the family room at the home before the boy’s mother found him and called 911.

“It’s horrible. It’s heartbreaking. I didn’t sleep a wink last night. Just terrible,” neighbor Danitha Gaines told WBBM. “A very nice family, nice.”

Police told the news outlet two adults were home in another room at the time of the stabbing.

“Our community is reeling from this devastating incident as I am unable to come up with a sufficient statement that can adequately express the sorrow and pain we all feel following this heartbreaking event,” Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans said in the release.

The 6-year-old boy was taken into protective custody then transferred to the Department of Children and Family Services’ custody.

“I wish to express our thoughts and deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones that have been deeply impacted by such a tragedy,” Evans said. “It is natural to want to search for answers and to seek understanding in the face of such a painful tragedy.”

Officials have not released the name of the toddler.

Joliet is about a 40-mile drive southwest of Chicago.

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