Massachusetts

17-Year-Old Charged With Murder in Brother's Stabbing Death

Hartford police say a 17-year-old faces a charge of murder for stabbing his older brother to death outside their apartment building overnight.

Police are calling the stabbing at 2006 Main Street a “domestic violence homicide.”

According to police, an argument broke out between the pair just before 1 a.m. inside the apartment they share and spilled outside onto the sidewalk. Detectives said the 17-year-old stabbed his 22-year-old brother in the heart with a 4-inch steak knife.

The victim has been identified as Jiram Ortiz.

The family had just moved to Hartford from New Bedford, Mass. last week. They say the teen was taken into custody and is cooperating with police.

“It’s a domestic violence, heat of the moment type thing. I guess the juvenile was trying to assist his brother after he realized what he did. So, it’s a difficult situation for his family,” said Hartford Police Deputy Chief Brian Foley.

The victim was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Police said several family members who witnessed the stabbing were also hospitalized for anxiety and stress.

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