Boy, 6, Killed Little Brother In Family’s Living Room: Joliet Police

JOLIET — Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans issued a statement on Saturday afternoon indicating that the 6-year-old boy whofatally stabbed his 2-year-old brother around dinner time on Friday has been taken to an area hospital for a mental health evaluation.

“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,” Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans said on Saturday. “Your community stands with you in your grief, and we are here to support you in any way we can. It is natural to want to search for answers and to seek understanding in the face of such a painful tragedy.”

According to Saturday’s news release, at 5:04 p.m. Friday, officers responded to a house in the 2700 block of Fairway Drive for a 2-year-old boy who was stabbed. Officers found the 2-year-old inside his house and he had suffered multiple stab wounds.

Officers immediately rendered medical aid to the child until the arrival of Joliet Fire Department Paramedics. Joliet Fire Department paramedics took the 2-year-old victim to Ascension St Joseph Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.

Joliet police spokesman Dwayne English said police learned that the 2-year- old child had been stabbed with a kitchen knife by his 6-year-old brother while in the family room. The victim was discovered by his mother, who called 911.

Officers at the scene took the 6-year-old boy into protective custody, and he was taken to the Joliet Police Department, where he was accompanied by family.

Detectives continue to work with the victim’s family, who have fully cooperated with the investigation, police said.

The Department of Children and Family Services was notified and responded. Custody of the 6-year-old child was transferred to DCFS, who then coordinated with the Will County Health Department Screening Assessment Support Services to have the child taken by ambulance to a local hospital for a mental health evaluation.

This case remains in the early stages of an active investigation and further details will be provided once they become available, English said.

“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,” Evans said on Saturday. “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.”