A Joliet family is mourning a 2-year-old boy who was stabbed to death, allegedly by his 6-year-old brother.
The boy was found by his mother with multiple stab wounds Sept. 6 in the family’s home in the 2700 block of Fairway Drive. The boy was rushed to St. Joseph Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, Joliet police and the boy’s family said.
The family described the toddler as a beloved son and a “fighter.” He suffered medical complications at birth that required surgery and the death of his twin brother.
He “brought endless joy to his family, and his loss has left an indescribable void,” the family says in a GoFundMe established to help pay for expenses related to the boy’s death.
As of Saturday afternoon, the campaign had raised $1,000 of a $150,000 goal.
“The loss of a young child is an unimaginable heartache that no parent or family member should ever have to endure. We are so grateful to family and friends for their love, support and prayers,” the family said.
He “was loved by his family, and he reciprocated that unconditional love,” the family said in a statement. “He was a sweet soul who brought joy to all those around him, and we will forever hold his memory close to our hearts.”
Police said an investigation indicates that the boy’s 6-year-old brother stabbed him with a kitchen knife in the family room of their home in the southwest suburb.
Results from an autopsy performed by the Will County coroner’s office have not been released.
Officers took the 6-year-old boy into protective custody to the Joliet Police Department accompanied by family, who have “fully cooperated” with the investigation, police said.
The child was then placed in the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, which coordinated a mental health evaluation with the Will County Health Department, police said.
Joliet police Chief Bill Evans called the incident “devastating” and “heartbreaking” in a statement.
“Most importantly, I wish to express our thoughts and deepest sympathies to the family and loved ones that have been deeply impacted by such a tragedy,” Evans said. “Your community stands with you in your grief, and we are here to support you in any way we can.”