A seven-year-old girl has tragically died after being stabbed ‘multiple times in the back’ in Chicago.
On Saturday October 3, shortly before midday the girl was attacked on Cottage Grove Avenue in the Chatham neighborhood by an unknown woman. The suspect, who has not been identified by police, approached the little girl with a sharp object and stabbed her ‘multiple times in the back,’ according to the Chicago Police Department.
Brave bystanders rushed to the girl’s aid and detained the assailant. Emergency services rushed to the scene and transported the girl to Comer Children’s Hospital. Sadly despite best efforts she was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.
The suspect was injured when she was apprehended and taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The woman remains in police custody with charges pending. The relationship between the girl and the woman is unclear at this stage, as is the motive behind the attack.
Ald. Michelle Harris of the 8th Ward shared the following statement on Facebook: “I am deeply saddened by the senseless stabbing of a 7 year old child in our neighborhood. My heart goes out to her family, friends, and everyone who is affected by this horrific incident. No child should ever have to experience violence or fear while simply walking down the sidewalk.
“I also want to recognise and thank the bystanders who quickly intervened—helping to detain the suspect and get assistance on the way. Their quick actions may have prevented further harm.
“I urge anyone with information to contact the Chicago Police Department. Our community must come together to support the victim and hold the perpetrator accountable. If you have any further information or concerns please contact us at 773-874-3300.”
A spokesperson for Chicago Police Department told The Express: “A 7-year-old female victim was walking southbound outside the above location when she was approached by an adult female offender. The offender displayed a sharp object and stabbed the victim multiple times in the back.
“The victim was transported to Comer Children’s Hospital, where she was pronounced. Bystanders who saw the stabbing occur detained the offender. As they detained her, the offender was injured and she was transported later to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The offender is now in police custody. Area Two detectives are investigating.”