A 2-year-old boy was stabbed to death by his 6-year-old brother inside an Illinois residence Friday afternoon, according to authorities.
Police said officers responded just before 5:05 p.m. to a home in Joliet, Illinois for reports of a child who had been stabbed.
Upon arrival, officers discovered a 2-year-old boy who had sustained multiple stab wounds, with a preliminary investigation determining he was stabbed with a kitchen knife by his 6-year-old brother, officials said.
The younger boy's injuries were discovered his mother, who called 911.
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The 2-year-old was taken to Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. The 6-year-old was taken to the hospital for a mental health evaluation, officials said.
According to authorities, the victim's family is cooperating with the investigation, with the Department of Children and Family Services working with detectives regarding the incident.
DCFS later confirmed that the department had "one other incident" involving the family in recent years.
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Joliet Police Chief Bill Evans issued the following statement Saturday:
"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. 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.”
