Joliet toddler stabbed to death by 6-year-old brother: Police

JOLIET, IL. – A 2-year-old boy was stabbed to death by his 6-year-old brother in Joliet on Friday, police said.

The incident occurred shortly after 5 p.m. in the 2700 block of Fairway Drive.

When the police arrived, they found the two-year-old child in the house with numerous stab wounds.

Authorities believe the child was stabbed to death by his older brother with a kitchen knife.

“This is proving to be a very difficult situation considering the young age of the victim and older brother,” said Sergeant Dwayne English of the Joliet Police Department.

The injured boy was taken by the Joliet Fire Department to Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries, police said.

According to police, investigators are working with the child's family, who are cooperating in the investigation.

Joliet Police have also notified the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) of the incident.

“The older brother is currently with our officers and we await the arrival of representatives from the Department of Children and Family Services who will work with our investigators to plan the next step in this investigation,” said Sergeant English.

At least two adults were at home at the time of the incident, but not in the living room where the stabbing is said to have taken place.

According to police, the boys' mother called 911 when she realized what had happened.

“We at the Joliet Police Department would like to express our condolences to the family,” said Sergeant English. “We just ask the public to be patient and not to rush to judgment. It's important to remember that everyone is a victim in this case and I cannot imagine the pain that the family and everyone involved in this incident must be enduring.”

The investigation is ongoing and we will update you as soon as it becomes available.