Inset: Marlene Rodriguez (Ocean County Jail). Background: The block in Brick Town, New Jersey, where Rodriguez allegedly stabbed her 2-year-old brother (Google Maps).
The accused, Marlene Rodriguez, was apprehended on Saturday. She faces several serious charges, including attempted murder and endangering the welfare of a child, as outlined by the authorities.
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office released a statement detailing the events. Around 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, law enforcement officers from the Brick Township Police Department responded to an urgent 911 call reporting a medical emergency at a residence on Burke Lane. Brick Township, located roughly 65 miles south of Manhattan, became the scene of this distressing episode. On arrival, first responders discovered a 2-year-old boy suffering from a stab wound to his chest. Emergency medical services quickly transported the young victim to Jersey Shore University Medical Center for immediate care.
Thankfully, the child’s injuries, although severe, were not life-threatening, and as of Sunday morning, he was reported to be in stable condition.
The investigation, conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, the Brick Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, identified Rodriguez, the victim’s sister, as the perpetrator. Following her arrest at Brick Township Police Headquarters, Rodriguez was taken to the Ocean County Jail, where she awaits a detention hearing.
“An investigation by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit, Brick Township Police Department Detective Bureau, and Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit, revealed that Rodriguez — the victim’s sister — was the individual responsible for the stabbing,” the release states. “Rodriguez was taken into custody at Brick Township Police Headquarters and transported to the Ocean County Jail, where she is presently lodged pending a detention hearing.”
Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer commended his office’s Major Crime Unit, the local police department and the county sheriff’s office for their “collective efforts” in the investigation.
Authorities have not released details about a possible motive for the alleged attack.
In addition to the attempted murder and child endangerment charges, Rodriguez is also facing one count of unlawful possession of a weapon as well as one count of possessing a weapon for an unlawful purpose. It was not immediately clear when she was scheduled to make her first appearance in court.
