A 12-year-old Michigan boy fatally stabbed his 9-year-old playmate before calling cops to turn himself in and declare, “I’m right here,” officials said Tuesday.
Michael Conner Verkerke was able to run home before collapsing on his porch shortly after 6 p.m. on Monday, police in Kentwood, Mich., said. He was rushed to the hospital but pronounced dead a short time later.
The victim and his attacker were among four kids playing when the one of the children inexplicably pulled a knife and attacked the younger boy, witnesses told police.
The tiny assailant was taken to Kent County Juvenile Detention Center. While cops have not named the child, western Michigan TV station WOOD and WZZM reported that he’s 12-years-old.
“The suspect left the playground, then went to a nearby residence where he asked to use the phone,” according to a police statement. “He called police to turn himself in for the incident.”
Neighbor Glen Stacey said the 12-year-old appeared calm when he asked to use his phone, telling a 911 dispatcher: “I just stabbed somebody. Please pick me up.”
“The only time he raised his voice was when the police came,” Stacy told the Grand Rapids Press.
When officers arrived at the Pinebrook Village mobile home playground to ask witnesses who had stabbed the 9-year-old, the 12-year-old told police he did it.
“Hello. I’m right here,” the young alleged killer said. “You’re going the wrong way.”
Cops have been talking to the 12-year-old’s parents and friends, but are still struggling to understand what, if any, motive he had.
“This is a true tragedy. You struggle to understand how and why something like this could happen,” Kentwood police chief Tom Hillen said.