Police Hold 9-Year-Old Girl in Killing of Friend, 11

NY Times ^ | May 31, 2005 | JENNIFER 8. LEE and COLIN MOYNIHAN

[neverdem]

A 9-year-old girl got into a fight with an 11-year-old girl in a Brooklyn apartment yesterday - family members said it was over a ball - and killed her by plunging a steak knife into her chest, the police said.

The stabbing in the apartment building at 185 Wortman Avenue in East New York left the police scrambling to determine the appropriate charges for the youngest suspect in a killing that anyone in the department could recall. And it left the family of the slain girl, Queen Washington, not only grappling with the horror of her death, but also trying to grasp just how someone so young could possibly be responsible.

"I don't understand how this could happen," said Joyce Porter, Queen's grandmother. She said Queen's mother had called her earlier that afternoon. "She told me, 'Queen is dead,' " Ms. Porter said, adding, "It was over a ball."

Queen was visiting the apartment where the 9-year-old lived, and the two girls were playing when the 9-year-old's mother stepped out to borrow something from a neighbor, the police said.

By the time the mother returned about 1:30 p.m., the two girls had gotten into a fight and the 9-year-old had plunged the knife into Queen's chest, the police said.

Queen stumbled into the hallway and collapsed, the police said. She was taken to Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center where she was declared dead on arrival, they said. The police recovered the knife.

The name of the 9-year-old was not released because of her age.

Paul J. Browne, the deputy commissioner for public information, said he was "unaware of anyone younger implicated in such an act in New York City."

Because the girl is younger than 14, the case is going to family court.

[neverdem]

I'm at a loss for words other than to ask for prayers.

[ambrose]

Just an average day in Blue State America.

[neverdem]

FReepmail me if you want on or off my New York ping list.

[Political Junkie Too]

"I don't understand how this could happen," said Joyce Porter

What was playing on the radio, what CD was in the player, what video channel was on the TV?

-PJ

[the anti-liberal]

Because the girl is younger than 14, the case is going to family court.

I'm no expert, but is a family court even capable of handling this kind of case?

[neverdem]

http://www.courts.state.ny.us/courts/nyc/family/index.shtml

[ILBBACH]

Also,

How do the adults (influences) in her life treat each other?

[the anti-liberal]

 New York City Family Court

The Family Court hears matters involving children and families. It has the authority to make legal decisions over the following types of cases: Case Types Abused or Neglected Children (Child Protective Proceeding) Adoption Custody & Visitation Domestic Violence (Family Offense) Foster Care Approval & Review Guardianship Juvenile Delinquency Paternity Persons in Need of Supervision (PINS) Support I see Domestic Violence, but we're talking about murder. Oh, I see- Who Is a Juvenile Delinquent? When a person who is under 16 years old, but is at least 7 years old, commits an act which would be a "crime" if he or she were an adult, and is then found to be in need of supervision, treatment or confinement, the person is called a "juvenile delinquent". The act committed is called a "delinquent act". All juvenile delinquency cases are heard in Family Court. Children who are 13, 14 and 15 years old who commit more serious or violent acts may be treated as adults. These cases may be heard in Supreme Court, but may sometimes be transferred to the Family Court. If found guilty, the child is called a "juvenile offender", and is subject to more serious penalties than a juvenile delinquent. Thanks for the link.

[Mikse]

I blame the parents for leaving a knife within reach of 9 year olds - thats as irresponsible as leaving an unsecured gun around children.

[freepatriot32]

one for your just damn ping list?

[neverdem]

How do you secure your kitchen knives?

[the anti-liberal]

I blame the parents for leaving a knife within reach of 9 year olds - thats as irresponsible as leaving an unsecured gun around children.

Responsibility? What's that? Never heard of it. /sarc

Remember, in Britian (I think) the doctors there want to ban long kitchen knives because they can be used to kill people. All I can say is:

(not you, Mikse, *them*)

[Mikse]

Hmmm I see your point. I guess keep them out of reach... although a resourseful child will always be able to climb on a counter... hence need for supervision.

[DB]

Well we haven't "secured our knives" in our home. Some how our children have managed not to kill each other (or anyone else)...

There's a lot more to this story than a knife in the house.

[CaptSkip]

How do the adults (influences) in her life treat each other?

Is it bad/un-pc to wonder about the races of the parents of the kids, and trends as to family and parenting within that race/subset?

The poor victim's name is Queen Washington.

What's happening to our families???

[Bullish]

Do you think just maybe this girl could have used a little parental guidance.
I have a feeling she wan't getting much.

[beyond the sea]

"I don't understand how this could happen," said Joyce Porter, Queen's grandmother.........."It was over a ball."

Who was supposed to take her to the ball?

[beyond the sea]

I blame the parents for leaving a knife within reach of 9 year olds - thats as irresponsible as leaving an unsecured gun around children.

.... and the # 2 pencils?

[ET(end tyranny)]

By the time the mother returned about 1:30 p.m., the two girls had gotten into a fight and the 9-year-old had plunged the knife into Queen's chest, the police said.

It doesn't say what time the mothe left. I wonder how long she was gone and how far away this neighbor was.

[freeangel]

"is a family court even capable of handling this kind of case?"

Sure it is. They will perscribe a bit of counseling where it will be determined that the girls background might be responsible, tell her it wasn't her fault and she'll be clear of everything by the time she is 16 so she can do it again.