A small boy was beaten to death while attempting to stop an older male who was trying to rape his older sister in South Richmond, Va., WTVR reports.
An aunt told the news station that the two children, both younger than 13, were playing on the railroad tracks when a man appeared and tried to assault the little girl. Her brother—who was either 8 or 9—tried to protect her but was beaten to death, apparently hit in the head with a brick. She emerged naked, "cut up and beat up," the aunt said. The girl—either age 11 or 12—was taken to the hospital.
An original report described the offender as a white male with scraggly hair, but at some point during the investigation the description changed to a black male teenager. According to police, the girl was "threatened and intimidated by the suspect" into giving false information, the news station reports. A teenager is currently being investigated in connection with the death of the boy.
Richmond Public Schools confirmed that the little boy attended Red Elementary School, WTVR reports. "We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of one of our Redd Elementary School students, and extend our thoughts and prayers to the victim’s family and friends," an RPS representative wrote. "Our top priority is ensuring the safety and well-being of our students and staff. Crisis counselors are currently in place and will continue to be made available to support our Redd Elementary School family and community during this difficult time."
Read more at WTVR.