Boy, 12, Charged With Sister’s Murder: West Hartford Police

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A 12-year-old boy has been charged with his sister’s murder, West Hartford Police announced on Tuesday afternoon. The 12-year-old suspect, who hasn’t been identified, was arraigned at Connecticut Children's Medical Center in Hartford on Tuesday afternoon and charged with one count of murder with special circumstances and one count of first-degree assault. The juvenile was brought to the medical center for a minor injury he sustained during Monday’s stabbing incident, according to police.

“The juvenile arrestee was then remanded to the custody of the Connecticut Judicial Marshals,” Lt. Michael Alquist said in a press release. “The case remains under active investigation by the West Hartford Police Department.”

The West Hartford community is still reeling from the shocking death of a young girl who police said was fatally stabbed by her brother on Monday afternoon. The boy is also accused of stabbing his mother, who was listed in stable condition on Monday night.

West Hartford Mayor Shari Cantor said on Tuesday morning that the town is "mourning the loss of a beautiful young lady and praying for the recovery of her mother."

"Our special community of West Hartford is in pain," Cantor said in a statement. "Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers. Let us give them the space, privacy, and time to grieve and heal. We will do all we can to provide support and help for the family, our students, teachers, neighbors, friends and the entire community.

"I have received many calls and texts asking how people can help. Thank you. Hug your loved ones and friends a little tighter. Be generous with your time and your heart. If you are moved to make a donation, please consider giving to organizations that have as their mission to help families in crisis including the Bridge Family Center, Town That Cares, as well as faith and community organizations.

"With a heavy heart, I wish our whole community peace and love."

At about 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 17, West Hartford Police received a 911 call from a woman in the 100 block of Stoner Drive saying that she and her daughter had been stabbed by her son. Police arrived on the scene and located the two victims and the suspect, according to Perruccio.

Perruccio said police, later joined by paramedics from the West Hartford Fire Department, immediately began emergency medical efforts to treat the mother and daughter. The mother and daughter were then taken by ambulance to St. Francis Hospital in Hartford where the juvenile daughter was later pronounced dead, according to Perruccio. The juvenile son was taken into custody without incident and brought to Connecticut Children's Medical Center in Hartford, Perruccio said.

Police have not released the names of the victims, but Cantor released a statement on behalf of the Murphy-Curtin family late Monday night.

"Our family, friends, and community are all suffering tonight," the statement reads. "We are all enduring a very painful and unimaginable loss. Our family will never be the same. Our daughter was a beautiful child and we will remember forever her smile...laughter...and remember her for the way she loved and lived.

"We thank you all for your condolences and prayers. 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 neighbors."

To sign up for West Hartford breaking news alerts and more, click here.