A family in Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz County, California, was struck by tragedy when a five-year-old boy fatally stabbed his twin brother on the afternoon of Wednesday, November 15, 2023.
Deputies from the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office were dispatched to a residence on Tucker Road after receiving a report of a stabbing incident. Upon their arrival, it was found that the two brothers had been involved in a physical altercation. In the course of the fight, one brother used a small kitchen knife to stab the other.
Emergency medical aid was provided at the scene by first responders, and the injured child was rushed to a hospital. Despite all efforts to save him, he passed away from his injuries.
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office undertook a detailed investigation into the incident. Their investigation concluded that there were no indications of either negligence or criminal intent. As a result, no legal action will be taken.
Under California law, children younger than 14 are generally not considered capable of criminal conduct, barring clear evidence that they understood the nature and wrongfulness of their actions at the time.
