Alberta Boy Accused of Stabbing Younger Brother in Rare Violent Incident

Lethbridge, Alberta: A shocking incident has left a community stunned after a boy allegedly tried to stab his younger brother and then lied about the attack, police said on Friday.

The incident occurred last week in Lethbridge. On August 24, at around 4:30 p.m., police officers responded to an emergency call reporting that a seven-year-old boy had been stabbed at a residence on the city’s north side.

According to the Lethbridge Police Service, the boy’s father had returned home and found his young son in serious medical distress, prompting the 911 call. Police said about an hour had passed between the stabbing and the father’s return home.

When police first arrived, the older brother, 12 years old, claimed that an unknown man had entered the home, attacked the younger child, and then fled the scene. Emergency medical services (EMS) quickly transported the seven-year-old to Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was then airlifted to Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton for specialized care.

As the investigation progressed, officers with the criminal investigation section examined the property. They found a knife believed to have been used in the attack. Further investigation revealed evidence suggesting that the 12-year-old had, in fact, stabbed his younger brother multiple times and believed he had killed him. The older boy then allegedly lied about an intruder entering the home.

The 12-year-old, whose identity is protected under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, has been charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault.

Staff Sgt. Ashlin Snowdon, who leads the criminal investigation section, spoke about the case on Friday. He noted that such circumstances are extremely rare and serious. “Anytime there’s this level of violence used in our community, it should be an extreme concern,” he said.

Police assured the public that there was no ongoing risk to neighbors or the wider community. “When we respond to any type of incident, we gather all the evidence to understand exactly what happened,” Snowdon said. “It is just as important to prove that something did not happen as it is to prove what did, and we approach each case with an open mind.”

The accused is currently in custody, awaiting a bail hearing. Police have not released a motive for the attack, saying it would be inappropriate to comment at this time.

The younger victim remains in stable condition at Stollery Children’s Hospital. Police reported that his health has improved since last week.

Family support services have been involved, with child and family services and victim services connecting with the family to provide additional assistance. Snowdon emphasized the emotional impact on everyone involved, including investigators, medical staff, and other agencies supporting the case. “It is difficult for everyone involved — not just the investigators, but also the medical teams and other support agencies,” he said.

The Lethbridge Police Service thanked Alberta Health Services, the Edmonton Police Service, and the RCMP for their support during the investigation.

This case highlights the rare but serious nature of violent incidents involving minors, prompting authorities and communities to remain vigilant while ensuring the affected families receive the care and support they need.