DA Files Attempted Murder Charge Against Teen School Stabbing Suspect
BRIGHTON, Colo. (CBS4) - The district attorney representing Broomfield has filed attempted murder charges against a 14-year-old boy in the case of a stabbing at a school there.
Police say the teenager stabbed a 14-year-old classmate last Thursday at Aspen Creek K-8 School. The girl was flown to Children's Hospital for treatment.
The 14-year-old faces one count of attempted first degree murder, plus charges of first degree assault and possession of a weapon on school grounds. He also faces what are considered sentencing enhancers because of the violent nature of the crime. He'll make an appearance in court on Tuesday morning.
Investigators say the stabbing happened on the school's playground during recess. Witnesses told CBS4 the boy took what was meant as a joke personally and then pulled a knife from his backpack, stabbing the victim in the back.
17th Judicial District Attorney Dave Young filed charges against the teen on Monday. He is not releasing the boy's name or picture because he is a juvenile.
He says the 14-year-old does not have a criminal record in Colorado and because of that, rules prevent him from charging the teen initially as an adult. That is, however, something that could be considered later.
"It's too soon to make that decision right now. I really don't know enough about all the parties involved that responded in this case to make that determination," said Young, who added that he plans to meet with the victim and her family on Friday.
The suspect is being held at the Juvenile Detention Center in Adams County.
The victim is now recovering from her injuries at home and is expected to make a full recovery.