12-year-old charged with attempted murder of own brother

By Lethbridge Herald on September 6, 2025.

Alejandra Pulido-Guzman
Lethbridge Herald

Lethbridge Police Service announced Friday a 12-year-old boy has been charged with the attempted murder of his seven-year-old brother.

Staff Sgt. Ashlin Snowdon in charge of the Criminal Investigation Section, told media Friday afternoon that on Aug. 27, at approximately 4:30 p.m., Lethbridge Police responded to a report that a seven-year-old boy had been stabbed at a northside residence. 

“A 911 call was made by the victim’s father after he returned home and located his son in serious medical distress,” said Snowdon. “Approximately an hour (after the stabbing had taken place).”  

He said the victim’s 12-year-old brother said an unknown male had entered the home and stabbed the child before fleeing the scene. 

“The victim was transported by EMS to Chinook Regional Hospital with critical injuries and later airlifted to Edmonton Children’s Hospital for further medical treatment,” said Snowdon. 

The investigation was immediately assumed by the Criminal Investigation Section and investigators determined very early on that there was no risk to the public or to neighbour. 

“A search warrant was executed at the residence and a knife believed to be involved in the offence was seized,” said Snowdon. As the investigation progressed, evidence was obtained indicating the 12-year-old had stabbed his brother repeatedly and believed he had killed him. 

“He then lied to his father and investigators about an intruder entering the home,” said Snowodon. “The 12-year-old has been arrested and is charged with aggravated assault and attempted murder.” 

The defendant, who can’t be identified under provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act, is currently in custody awaiting a Judicial Interim Release hearing.

“The seven-year-old victim remains in hospital in stable condition and is doing better,” said Snowdon.

He added that any time there is that level of violence in the community, it’s of extreme concern, but LPS was able to respond immediately and ensure there was no threat to the community. 

“Thankfully this (type of case) is incredibly rare. It is difficult for everyone involved in it, not only the investigators but also the responding medical staff and all the other agencies that are involved,” said Snowdon. 

Child and Family Services have been contacted and family members connected with the Victim/Witness Services Unit for additional support, and LPS has supports in place for members affected by their involvement with the case. 

When speaking about the next steps of the investigation, Snowdon said they need to gather more information. 

“Anytime we do an investigation, it is incredibly important that we gather all the facts. It is just as important to prove that something didn’t happen as that it did,” said Snowdon. “When we respond to any type of incident and we get a version of events or a story, we need to gather all of the evidence and establish truly what did happen.” 

He said their role as truth seekers is to find all the details as best as they can.   

Lethbridge Police Service would like to thank Alberta Health Services, the Edmonton Police Service and RCMP for their assistance.

The investigation is ongoing and therefore, no further information will be released.