A 13-year-old boy accused of stabbing a peer at a school bus stop in the Hilliard area will remain in juvenile detention until his follow-up court hearing, officials confirmed Tuesday. The decision was made by a juvenile court magistrate who cited the suspect as a threat to public safety, according to WBNS. During the hearing, which took place on Monday, the teen's defense attorney highlighted his previously clean record and stable household background.
The incident occurred early Monday morning at the intersection of Springdale Boulevard and Bathgate Street and resulted in the immediate hospitalization of the stabbed victim, who is expected to recover, The Dispatch reports. Following the stabbing, a massive search was launched involving three police departments, canines, and drones, compelling Hilliard City Schools to close four schools and place several others on lockdown.
The court waived the minor's appearance and entered a denial plea on his behalf, equivalent to not guilty, as mentioned by ABC6. Given the teen's exemplary behavior at home and lack of previous court interactions, the suspect's attorney requested house arrest. "My client has no prior contacts with the court," the defense attorney said. "He is 13 years old. His parents say he is an A to B student, a football player, and follows all house rules."
The Superintendent of Hilliard City Schools, David Stewart, expressed the district's support for the stabbed teenager and his family, focusing on the emotional toll such incidents impact on the community. "We have been in touch with them and we have pledged our support to making sure as he adjusts and returns to school at some point that we have everything in place for him to be successful," Stewart told ABC6. Details about the alleged victim's age remain undisclosed.
