A family in Taylor, Michigan has been left devastated after a seven-year-old girl was fatally stabbed by her 13-year-old sister following an argument on Saturday, September 28. According to law enforcement officials, the incident occurred around 1 p.m. at their home on the 14200 block of Banner Avenue.
The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office has charged the 13-year-old with first-degree premeditated murder, felony murder, and first-degree child abuse. The prosecutor’s office revealed that the parents had left the older sibling in charge of babysitting her younger sister that day. During their time alone, the sisters argued, reportedly over a note left in the bathroom reminding the younger girl to flush the toilet.
After the argument, the older sister allegedly hid in the bathroom, waiting for the seven-year-old to enter. Once the younger girl did, the 13-year-old reportedly attacked her with a kitchen knife and a bowie knife. The younger girl suffered at least ten stab wounds, and despite being rushed to a nearby hospital, she later died from her injuries.
“There is absolutely no doubt that the facts in this case are horrific. It is beyond disturbing that the alleged person responsible for the stabbing death of her seven-year-old sister is thirteen years old,” said Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy.
The prosecutor’s office considered designating the teen as an adult, allowing the court to impose an adult sentence if necessary. However, the decision was made to charge her as a juvenile. The decision means the teen will stay in the juvenile system until she is mandatorily released at 21. Authorities believe that during this time, they will have seven years to assess, treat, and rehabilitate her, with the hope that by the time of her release, she will no longer pose a threat to others. Although this was a challenging decision given the circumstances, it is considered the appropriate course of action in this case, according to Worthy.
Neighbors who knew the family were shocked by the news. “When my grandma told me I was horrified because they were best friends, they would always play together,” said Matthew, a neighborhood acquaintance of the sisters.
Taylor Police believe that mental illness may have played a role in the incident, though further details have yet to be released. The investigation is ongoing, and the family has not made any public statements about the tragedy.
The teen is currently being held at the juvenile detention center in Detroit, awaiting her preliminary hearing. As the investigation continues, Taylor Police are encouraging anyone with information to come forward and assist in the case.