A seven-year-old girl has died after being stabbed multiple times in the back in Chicago on Saturday, October 3. The attack occurred shortly before midday on Cottage Grove Avenue in the Chatham neighborhood, when an unknown woman approached the girl with a sharp object and stabbed her multiple times in the back, according to the Chicago Police Department.
Bystanders detain suspect
Brave bystanders rushed to the girl's aid and detained the assailant. Emergency services transported the girl to Comer Children's Hospital, where she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving despite best efforts.
The suspect was injured when she was apprehended and taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The woman remains in police custody with charges pending. The relationship between the girl and the woman is unclear at this stage, as is the motive behind the attack.
Official statements and investigation
Ald. Michelle Harris of the 8th Ward shared a statement on Facebook: "I am deeply saddened by the senseless stabbing of a 7 year old child in our neighborhood. My heart goes out to her family, friends, and everyone who is affected by this horrific incident. No child should ever have to experience violence or fear while simply walking down the sidewalk."
Harris also thanked the bystanders who intervened, saying: "I also want to recognise and thank the bystanders who quickly intervened—helping to detain the suspect and get assistance on the way. Their quick actions may have prevented further harm."
A spokesperson for the Chicago Police Department told The Express: "A 7-year-old female victim was walking southbound outside the above location when she was approached by an adult female offender. The offender displayed a sharp object and stabbed the victim multiple times in the back."
The spokesperson added that the victim was transported to Comer Children's Hospital, where she was pronounced. Bystanders who saw the stabbing detained the offender, who was injured during the detention and taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The offender is now in police custody, and Area Two detectives are investigating.
