An 8-year-old child has died after he was allegedly stabbed by his grandfather on New Year’s morning, according to police.
Richland Hills police released a statement via Twitter about the incident.
According to the statement, officers responded to a call about a stabbing involving a juvenile victim in the 3500 block of Labadie Drive at about 7:50 a.m. on Sunday.
When officers arrived on the scene, they found the 8-year-old male victim lying unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect, identified as 62-year-old Phillip Hughes, was arrested near the residence. He was taken into custody for the alleged stabbing without any incident, police said. He has been confirmed by police as being the victim’s grandfather.
Sheena McEachran, a public information officer for the Richland Hills Police Department, spoke with The Dallas Express and explained that officers found Hughes about a block away from the residence.
Hughes was taken to the Joint Detention Center at North Richland Hills Police Department, where he is currently being held.
He has been charged with capital murder and is awaiting arraignment.
While the investigation is still ongoing, the police’s preliminary investigation has led them to believe that Hughes acted alone and no other suspects were involved, police said.
The Richland Hills Police Department referred to the incident that occurred on New Year’s Day as a “senseless tragedy,” expressing its condolences to anyone affected and asking the public for “continued prayers for everyone involved.”
Anyone with information regarding this incident can contact the Richland Hills Police Department Criminal Investigations Unit at 817-616-3788 or [email protected].
Those wishing to remain anonymous can submit tips to the Crime Stoppers website or call 817-469-TIPS.
The new year has already been marked by tragedy in Dallas as well — an inauspicious sign for already rising citywide crime rates in 2023. An 18-year-old is currently sought by police for allegedly shooting and killing a person in West Oak Cliff, which is located in Dallas City Councilmember Casey Thomas II’s District 3.