Joliet family releases statement, identifies 2-year-old fatally stabbed by 6-year-old brother
JOLIET, Ill. (CBS) — The family of a Joliet toddler who was fatally stabbed by his 6-year-old brother has released a statement on the loss of their son just over a week after the incident.
On Saturday, the Urbina family identified their son as 2-year-old Christopher, who died on Sept. 6.
"Christopher was loved by his family, and he reciprocated that unconditional love. He was a sweet soul who brought joy to all those around him and we will forever hold his memory close to our hearts," the family said in the statement.
The family also called Christopher a fighter, saying he survived medical complications before his birth as well as the loss of his twin brother.
The family has also requested privacy as they grieve.
"As we mourn the loss of our beloved Christopher, we ask for privacy. We will not be addressing the public, and we would like to ask the media for respect, privacy and responsible coverage, as inaccurate reports may add suffering to our grieving family," the statement said.
The following is the Urbina family's full statement:
On Friday, September 6, we unexpectedly lost our beautiful two-year-old boy, Christopher. Christopher was loved by his family, and he reciprocated that unconditional love. He was a sweet soul who brought joy to all those around him and we will forever hold his memory close to our hearts.
Christopher was more than just a beloved son—he was a fighter. Born after surviving medical complications that required surgery and the loss of his twin brother, Christopher's birth was nothing short of a miracle.
The loss of a young child is an unimaginable heartache that no parent or family member should ever have to endure. We are so grateful to family and friends for their love, support and prayers.
As we mourn the loss of our beloved Christopher, we ask for privacy. We will not be addressing the public, and we would like to ask the media for respect, privacy and responsible coverage, as inaccurate reports may add suffering to our grieving family.
Thank you for your understanding.
A Go-Fund-Me Page has been set for Christopher and his family.
The incident happened just after 5 p.m. in the 2700 block of Fairway Drive, near Pembroke Road. Police found the 2-year-old boy in the house with multiple stab wounds, police said.
A preliminary investigation determined the toddler had been stabbed with a kitchen knife by his 6-year-old brother, police said. The stabbing was believed to have happened in a family or TV room.
The child was taken to Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet in an ambulance. He died at the hospital, police said.
Joliet police Sgt. Dwayne English said the children's mother and grandmother were home at the time of the stabbing, and the mother called 911 upon finding the boy.
Custody of the 6-year-old was transferred to DCFS, which coordinated with the Will County Health Department Screening Assessment Support Services to have the child transported by ambulance to a local hospital for a mental health evaluation.
English urged the public to be patient with the investigation and to withhold judgment.