A tragic incident in the Denver metro area has led to a murder charge against an 11-year-old boy, following the death of his 5-year-old brother, as confirmed by Colorado prosecutors.
The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office reported that the young boy was found dead at a residence on South Jericho Way, located in Centennial, a suburb just south of Denver. Authorities received a call to the home around 5:30 p.m. on March 10. Investigators are actively working to uncover the circumstances surrounding the death, as reported by KUSA.
According to the sheriff’s office, the accused is the older brother of the victim. The 11-year-old is currently detained at a youth services center on charges of first-degree murder.
In a recent update, prosecutors announced that the boy has been officially charged with first-degree murder.
Under Colorado law, children aged 10 and above can be held accountable for criminal acts. However, the law stipulates that a child must be at least 12 years old for the case to potentially be transferred to adult court. Given the suspect’s age, this case will proceed in juvenile court, and the associated court records will remain confidential.
Prosecutors said a child aged 10 or older can be charged with a crime in Colorado, but a child must be at least 12 years old for the case to qualify to be moved to adult court. Because of the child’s age, the case will remain in juvenile court, and court records won’t be publicly available.
Timberline Elementary School in Centennial said in a message to families that the victim was a kindergartener at the school.
“He was just very playful and very nice,” neighbor Mike Douglas told 9NEWS. “Always wanting to interact.”
