A 9-year-old Virginia boy died trying to defend his 11-year-old sister from a rapist on Thursday.
The child, whose name was not released, was hit in the head with a brick by the male teenage suspect.
According to NBC:
Richmond Police were called at 6:30 p.m. Thursday after the reported attack in the backyard of the siblings’ home, located near railroad tracks. The brother and sister were playing together on the track when the suspect approached them and sexually assaulted the girl, police said.
The boy tried to help his sister, and the suspect struck him in the head with a brick, police said. He died at the scene, the Richmond Times-Dispatch reported. The girl was taken to the hospital.
Police hunted for the suspect Thursday night. Initially, he was described as a white male with scraggly facial hair. But investigators said the victim was threatened by the assailant to give false information.
Warrants have been obtained for a teenager who is believed to be connected to the incident. The teen is being “medically evaluated,” according to authorities.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family during this difficult time.
SOURCE: NBC | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty
