The city of Scotts Valley witnessed a tragic incident on November 15, where a dispute between two individuals escalated, resulting in a fatal stabbing. The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office, after thorough investigations, made a surprising announcement on November 17: no charges would be filed against anyone involved.
Stabbing
The unfortunate event unfolded in Scotts Valley, raising questions about the circumstances leading to the fatality.
The local Sheriff’s office posted this on Facebook:
Just before 4:00pm on November 15, 2023, deputies were dispatched to the 200 Block of Tucker Road in unincorporated Scotts Valley for a 5-year-old victim of a stabbing. When deputies arrived, they learned that two 5-year-old twins were fighting, as siblings sometimes do. Tragically, during the incident, one of the 5-year-olds got a small kitchen knife and stabbed his twin brother.
Despite lifesaving efforts by our deputies, emergency personnel, and hospital staff, the 5-year-old passed away at the hospital.
In coordination with the District Attorney’s Office and in light of all circumstances discovered by our investigators, no charges will be filed against anyone involved. California law dictates that age, criminal intent, and knowledge of wrongfulness are factors needed to charge a child with a crime (PC 26 and W&I 602). Based on the current investigation, there is no indication of negligence or criminal activity by any other party.
We are heartbroken for the family of these two young children and share in their grief. We will not be releasing any additional identifying information and are asking media to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.