10-year-old boy claims self-defense in deadly stabbing of 13-year-old girl, Riley Dearmas outside Houston, Texas apartment complex as social media now demands justice in child’s stabbing death.
A 13-year-old girl died after she was stabbed during a fight outside an apartment complex, Wednesday night, according to Houston police.
The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences identified the victim as Riley Dearmas. Police said the incident happened around 8 p.m. near the intersection of Grow Lane and Dow Road.
At the time of the fatal stabbing there was a large fight between multiple people outside an apartment building where the 10-year-old girl had allegedly descended upon as part of a large group of 20 to 30 people.
Was 13-year-old girl stabbed to death by 10-year-old in self defense?
Dearmas was found with at least one stab wound and was transported to a hospital, where she later died, FOX26 reported.
Authorities said they spoke with an adult woman and a 10-year-old boy at the scene. According to police, the boy told investigators he stabbed Dearmas and turned himself in. Police allege Dearmas was part of a group of 20 to 30 people who arrived at the apartment and began assaulting individuals inside, and that the stabbing occurred in self-defense.
Michael George, the principal of Dean Middle School, confirmed that Dearmas was a student at the school in a letter sent to parents and guardians.
Social media users demands justice in Houston girl’s stabbing death
In the aftermath of the tragedy, a Facebook post led to demands for justice along with accusations that the stabbing ‘was not in self defense.’
Wrote one person, ‘thanks for sharing my post. We the family all appreciate your heartfelt condolences. Nothing but loving. Justice will be served…’
Wrote another, ‘thank you for reposting my niece definitely was not in self defense we demand justice.’
Stated another, ‘These kids need to stop watching baddies & have more regulation on their phones.’
Officials noted that 10 years old is the minimum age for criminal responsibility in Texas. The Houston Police Department said the child was detained Wednesday night but later released pending further investigation.
Since the release, a video has surfaced that appears to show the boy run up to Dearmas, stab her, then drop the knife on the ground as he runs off.
Investigators are continuing to interview witnesses and review the surveillance video. All findings will be forwarded to the Harris County District Attorney’s Office for review and a determination on potential charges. The investigation remains ongoing.
