A young girl is dead after allegedly being stabbed by her brother in her home in West Hartford, Connecticut - with the pair's mother also injured.
According the West Hartford police, a woman called 911 on Monday and said that her son had stabbed both her and her daughter.
The victims were taken to the St. Francis Hospital and Medical Center, where the daughter was later pronounced dead. The mother is in stable condition.
The suspect was taken into custody without incident and treated at a children’s hospital for a minor injury. The identities of the victims or the suspect have not been released.
Investigators are investigating the scene; a tan house modestly decorated for the holidays, according to the Hartford Courant.
Superintendent Tom Moore told the community late on Monday that the district would do whatever was needed to help students and staff as they cope with the tragedy.
“Please keep this family, their friends, and all of our children in your thoughts and prayers,” Mr Moore said. Grief counsellors are available at the young victim’s school.
West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor sent out a statement on behalf of the affected family.
“We thank you all for your condolences and prayers,” the statement read. “Please understand that this loss is not contained to our family."
Our children attended West Hartford schools and have so many friends that are hurting tonight as well. West Hartford is a strong community. We are comforted to know that we aren’t alone in our grief. We ask that as we are suffering, please respect our privacy as well as that of our neighbours.”
