‘Our community is reeling’: 2-year-old boy fatally stabbed by 6-year-old brother in Joliet

JOLIET — An investigation is underway after police say a 2-year-old boy was fatally stabbed by his 6-year-old brother in Joliet on Friday night.

According to Joliet police, the investigation began just after 5 p.m. when officers were called to a home in the 2700 block of Fairway Drive following a report that a 2-year-old boy had been stabbed.

Authorities arrived on the scene and found the child who had suffered multiple stab wounds inside the home.

Officers quickly rendered aid to the child until paramedics arrived and transported him to the hospital.

After arriving at the hospital, the young boy was pronounced dead.

In an update on Saturday afternoon, Joliet police provided new details on the incident, offering some clarity on the preliminary investigation.

Police said it is believed that the victim’s 6-year-old brother allegedly stabbed the child with a kitchen knife while in the family room of the home.

Police said the child was then discovered by his mother who called 911.

Officers who responded to the scene took the 6-year-old boy into protective custody and he was taken to the Joliet Police Department while accompanied by family members.

According to police, the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) was notified about the situation and the child was transferred to DCFS.

DCFS then coordinated with the Will County Health Department Screening Assessment Support Services (SASS) to transfer the child to a nearby hospital for a mental health evaluation.

“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. Most importantly, I wish to express our thoughts and deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones that have been deeply impacted by such a tragedy. Your community stands with you in your grief, and we are here to support you in any way we can,” Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans said in a statement on Saturday. “It is natural to want to search for answers and to seek understanding in the face of such a painful tragedy. As your Police Chief, I want to assure you that the men and women of the Joliet Police Department are committed to a thorough investigation and to providing support to the family and our community during this incredibly difficult time. Lastly, I wish to acknowledge the response by our first responders of both the Joliet Police Department and the Joliet Fire Department who responded with compassion and professionalism in the wake of such a heart-wrenching incident.”

Police say detectives continue to work with the child’s family, adding that they have fully cooperated with police throughout the investigation.

According to officers, the investigation is still in its early stages and more details will be provided to the public as they become available.

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