Ten-Year-Old Boy Claims Self-Defence in Fatal Stabbing of Teen Girl in Houston
A 10-year-old boy accused of stabbing a 13-year-old girl to death in Texas is claiming he acted in self-defence, according to Houston police. The tragic incident occurred during a large-scale altercation at an apartment complex in Houston, resulting in the death of Riley DeArmas.
Mass Brawl Leads to Fatal Stabbing
Houston Police Lieutenant Larry Crowson revealed at a press conference that officers were called to the scene around 8 p.m. last Wednesday following reports of a stabbing. Upon arrival, they discovered a juvenile female suffering from a stab wound. Houston Fire Department paramedics transported her to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced deceased.
"Further investigation determined there was an altercation between two groups of individuals, including the juvenile female, at the location which led to the female suffering a stab wound," the police department stated. The brawl involved an estimated 20 to 30 people, escalating into the fatal violence.
Family Mourns 'Joyful' Teenager
Although the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences has yet to formally identify the victim, Riley's family confirmed she was the girl killed. Riley DeArmas would have celebrated her 14th birthday next month. Her mother, Ashley DeArmas, described her as a "joyful," "free-spirited," and "happy" child who was gentle and loving.
Ashley DeArmas strongly rejected the suggestion that Riley was part of an attack that warranted self-defence, telling local CBS affiliate KHOU, "She was not a violent person. She would never harm anyone intentionally. The narrative that’s going around right now about my daughter, that was not Riley."
Community Gathers to Remember Riley
On Saturday evening, nearly 100 family members and close friends gathered to honour Riley's memory by releasing a sea of balloons, many purple in tribute to her favourite colour. The emotional gathering saw well-wishers hugging and weeping as the balloons ascended into the sky.
"Instead of me celebrating her 14th birthday, I’m celebrating and trying to bury my daughter right now. These balloons could have been for her 14th birthday, not her death," Riley's mother lamented. "She did not deserve it. She did not deserve to die."
Riley's aunt, Megan DeArmas, expressed her grief, saying, "I will never get a chance to hug her, to tell her I love her, because her life was just cut so short."
Legal Proceedings and Investigation
The 10-year-old boy detained in connection with the killing has been released pending further investigation. Lieutenant Crowson explained that homicide investigators are consulting with the prosecutor's office regarding potential charges. "It's a 10-year-old," Crowson noted. "That is the minimum age of criminal responsibility in the state of Texas, so charges could be filed. That'll be up to the district attorney."
The Harris County District Attorney's Office has stated it will make a decision on charges once police complete their investigation. Authorities urge anyone with information about the killing to contact the HPD Homicide Division at 713-308-3600 or speak anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 713-222-TIPS.
