'Heartbroken': 5-year-old boy fatally stabs twin brother with kitchen knife during fight

A 5-year-old Northern California boy is dead after officials say his twin brother stabbed him with a knife during a fight between siblings.

The Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Office reported deputies responded just before 4 p.m. Wednesday to a home in the small city of Scotts Valley for a report of a stabbing.

The home in the Santa Cruz Mountains about 30 miles south of downtown San Jose.

Fighting 'as siblings sometimes do'

According to a press release, arriving officers learned 5-year-old twins were fighting "as siblings sometimes do," the statement said.

At some point, the release continues, one of the boys grabbed a small kitchen knife and stabbed his twin.

Despite life-saving efforts from first responders and hospital staff, the 5-year-old boy later died at a hospital.

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No charges to be filed in fatal stabbing

Following a preliminary investigation by sheriff's office investigators and the local district attorney’s office, officials said no charges will be filed in connection to the boy's death.

"California law dictates that age, criminal intent, and knowledge of wrongfulness are factors needed to charge a child with a crime," the release said. "Based on the current investigation, there is no indication of negligence or criminal activity by any other party. We are heartbroken for the family of these two young children and share in their grief."

Officials said no further details are being released in the case and asked the family be given privacy as it mourns.

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Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.