10-year-old boy dies after his 13-year-old cousin and best friend repeatedly stabbed him in the head while he was asleep at their grandma’s home; minor arrested
Pennsylvania – In a disturbing incident in Pennsylvania, a 13-year-old boy has been arrested in connection with the death of his 10-year-old cousin. The 13-year-old, identified as J. Campbell, is accused of fatally stabbing his 10-year-old cousin, H. Meyers, while he was asleep at their grandmother’s residence.
The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning inside a home. According to police reports, Meyers and Campbell, who was also his cousin and best friend, were spending the night at their grandmother’s home. The boys were described as close, sharing a bond akin to that of siblings, making the events that transpired even more horrifying. At approximately 6 a.m., emergency responders were called to the scene after a distressing 911 call reported a child unresponsive with a knife lying beside him. Upon arrival, police discovered Meyers deceased at the scene, with multiple stab wounds to his head. Campbell, who was found at the scene with blood on his pants and feet, was taken into custody shortly after the discovery.
The victim’s mother, expressed profound shock and sorrow over the incident. She described the boys as inseparable, with no prior indications of violence or aggression from Campbell. “He was my son’s cousin and my nephew. No there is no blood relation. But it doesn’t take blood to be a family. They were cousins and best friends. The list of people that watch my children is extremely small, and he had stayed at his grandma’s with his best friend a million times. We had NO WARNING on anything.” the victim’s mother said in a post on social media. The loss was deeply felt by the family, as Meyers was only weeks away from celebrating his 11th birthday.
The police, led by Trooper Limani, admitted to being baffled when asked about the motive behind the stabbing. “I don’t say we would have any specific argument or anything that took place that we would call a motive,” Limani said, highlighting the complexity and the seemingly unmotivated nature of the crime. In the aftermath, the community and the school where the boys attended rallied to support the grieving family. A GoFundMe campaign set up to assist with funeral expenses and support for Meyers’ family quickly surpassed $17,660, reflecting the community’s solidarity and compassion.
Campbell faces severe legal consequences, charged as an adult with criminal homicide and first-degree murder—charges reflecting the gravity of his alleged actions. Held without bond, Campbell awaits further court proceedings, which will determine his legal fate. Authorities, including the state police, continue to investigate the case, seeking insights from the public to understand the events leading up to the tragedy.
The community, while shaken, has been prompted to engage in conversations about monitoring and discussing behavioral changes and stresses in children, as recommended by law enforcement officials. As the case unfolds, the focus remains on providing support to those affected by this tragedy and addressing the broader implications of such violent incidents involving young individuals. The school has promised to provide counselors to help students cope with the trauma when classes resume, underscoring the lasting impact of the incident on all involved. The case of Campbell and the tragic death of Meyers serve as a poignant reminder of the profound effects of interpersonal relationships and the hidden struggles that may exist even among the closest of friends.
