A Texas man is facing criminal charges after he allegedly fatally stabbed his 8-year-old grandson on New Year's Day, police said. Phillip Hughes, 62, was arrested and has been charged with capital murder in connection with the boy's death. Officers with the Richland Hills Police Department responded to reports of a stabbing involving a juvenile victim at a home on Labadie Drive around 7:50 a.m. on January 1.
When authorities arrived, they discovered the child's body inside the home, a news release from the department stated. According to reports, multiple law enforcement agencies and fire departments were also dispatched to the scene.
Police have confirmed the suspect was the boy's grandfather.
Authorities found Hughes near the residence, which is in the Fort Worth area, and he was taken into custody "without incident," police said. Hughes was transported to the Joint Detention Center at North Richland Hills Police Department, where he is being held on charges of capital murder. Hughes currently remains in jail as he awaits an arraignment hearing.
Authorities did not reveal the child's identity because he is a minor. The boy was later identified as Brenym McDonald in an online campaign created by a family friend.
The Richland Hills Police Department says the case is still an active investigation.
A preliminary investigation determined there were no other suspects involved in the deadly stabbing.
Anyone with information regarding this incident can contact the Richland Hills Police Department detectives at 817-616-3788 or [email protected]. Those wishing to remain anonymous can go to 469tips.com or call 817-469-TIPS.
Authorities have offered their condolences to the Brenym's family.
"The Richland Hills Police Department would like to express its condolences to those affected by this senseless tragedy and ask for continued prayers for everyone involved," a news release stated.
A family friend, Maddox Sullivan, created a GoFundMe on behalf of the boy's mother, Rachel McDonald, and her family.
"Brenym was smart, enthusiastic, always smiling with the biggest heart. There wasn't a single room he couldn't light up with his smile, or a story he couldn't tell you that would make you laugh," Sullivan wrote on the website.
"A mother does not ever expect to have to bury their own child. We’re all devastated by this tragic event and not prepared for his unexpected passing. We want to give Brenym the memorial he deserves and to say our final goodbyes," she added.
