In Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz County, California, a five-year-old boy fatally stabbed his twin brother during a domestic dispute.
The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon, November 15, 2023, in a rural part of the county.
Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a home on the 200 block of Tucker Road following a call about a stabbing.
Upon arrival, they found that the twins had been involved in a fight. During the altercation, one of the brothers seized a small kitchen knife and stabbed his sibling.
The injured child received immediate medical attention from the first responders and was later rushed to a hospital. Despite the life-saving efforts, the young boy died from his injuries.
In the aftermath of the incident, the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office conducted a thorough investigation. Their findings indicated no signs of negligence or criminal activity. As such, no charges will be filed in this case.
This decision is in line with California law, which presumes that children under 14 are not capable of committing crimes unless it is evident that they understood the wrongfulness of their actions at the time of the offense. This legal stance reflects a recognition of the developmental stages of children and their ability to comprehend the consequences of their actions.