Michigan Playground Stabbing: 12-Year-Old Boy Charged With Murder
A Michigan 9-year-old boy was killed Monday at a neighborhood playground after he was stabbed to death by another child. Michael Conner Verkerke was playing in Kentwood, Michigan, when another boy at the playground pulled out a knife and repeatedly stabbed him, according to police.
The accused 12-year-old child, Jamarion Lawhorn, was charged Tuesday with murder. According to Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker, the two boys did not know each other, and Lawhorn's motive is still unknown. Becker added that Lawhorn will be tried in juvenile court, and his office has not announced whether the charges will be for first or second degree murder.
An attorney for Lawhorn, Charles Boekeloo, entered a not guilty plea on his client's behalf Tuesday but had no further comments.
Police said Connor was able to run home after being stabbed before collapsing on the porch. He was rushed to the hospital, where he died later that night. Lawhorn went to a nearby home and asked to use the phone, according to Kentwood Chief of Police Thomas Hillen.
"I thought he was calling for his parents to come pick him up," homeowner Glen Stacy told CNN. "He wasn't. He called 911."
Stacy also said that Lawhorn appeared "calm and collected" as he told the 911 operator, "Hi, I just stabbed someone, please pick me up and come kill me, I want to end my life."
"At no point did I feel threatened," Stacy said. Lawhorn returned the phone to him and waited for the police to arrive. When police began to arrive at the scene, Stacy said they initially headed for the playground, which caused Lawhorn to yell for their attention.
"Hey! I'm over here!" Stacy heard him say. "Lets do this. I'm ready."
While police said a competency hearing has yet to be held, Becker predicted the defense's strategy.
"My gut tells me they will go for an insanity plea," Becker said.
A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for Aug. 13.
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