Police in Colorado have arrested an 11-year-old boy on first-degree murder charges in the death of his 5-year-old brother, who was found inside the family's home earlier this week.
The Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office said deputies responded around 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Mar. 10, to a residence in Centennial, a suburb of Denver, after a report of an unresponsive child.
The 5-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene, and investigators soon determined his 11-year-old brother was the primary suspect, according to a statement from the sheriff's office, according to People.
Authorities said the case is being investigated as a homicide, though the exact cause and manner of death remain under investigation. Officials have not released details about how the younger boy was killed or what may have led up to the incident.
The suspect, whose name has not been released because he is a minor, is being held at the Marvin W. Foote Youth Services Center in Centennial. He is facing a charge of first-degree murder in connection with his brother's death, the sheriff's office said.
Investigators said everyone involved in the incident has been identified and there is no ongoing threat to the public. The sheriff's office described the case as "open and active" and said information would be limited because both the victim and the suspect are children, Denver7 reported.
Sheriff Tyler Brown expressed condolences to the family and the broader community, noting that the death of such a young child affects classmates, teachers, and neighbors. He asked for patience as detectives continue gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses.
People magazine reported that prosecutors in the 18th Judicial District are expected to decide on formal charges within about a week. A spokesperson for the district attorney's office declined to share further details but confirmed the case is being handled in Juvenile Court, and the boy is not currently charged as an adult, as per GV Wire.
