02 January 2023 , 17:57
1280
0
A grandfather has been charged with murdering his eight-year-old grandson after he allegedly stabbed the boy to death just hours into New Years Day.
Phillip Hughes, 62, from Texas, US, was arrested on Sunday and has been charged with capital murder after The Richland Hills Police Department were called to reports of a stabbing at around 7.50am.
Officers arrived at the scene and discovered the young boy, who has not been named, stabbed to death.
His grandad was found and arrested nearby, according to authorities.
Police confirmed the edged blade weapon, which is said to have been the murder weapon, was later recovered by officers.
Man who 'killed 4 students' was 'creepy' regular at brewery and 'harassed women'
Richland Hills Police said in a statement: “On Sunday, January 1, 2023, at about 7:50 am, the Richland Hills Police and Fire Departments were dispatched to a reported stabbing at a residence in the 3500 block of Labadie Drive in Richland Hills, TX.
Police were called to the house after reports of a stabbing (Stock Image) (Getty Images)"Neighbouring police and fire agencies also responded to assist.”
An investigation into the fatal stabbing is underway but police do not believe anyone else is involved in the incident.
Officers are still unsure of the grandfather's motive as the eight-year-old was allegedly stabbed to death on New Year's Day.
Richland Hills Police added: “The suspect, 62-year-old Phillip Hughes, who has been identified as the grandfather to the victim, was located near the residence by officers and taken into police custody without incident.
“The suspect was transported to the Joint Detention Center at North Richland Hills Police Department where he is being held for Capital Murder and awaiting arraignment.
“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."
Authorities confirmed they had not previously dealt with Hughes prior to his arrest.
Sheena McEachran, an officer with the Richland Hills Police Department, revealed officers have lots of questions regarding the motive of the alleged suspect.
She said: "We have lots of questions, just like everyone else has. And throughout the investigation we'll hopefully be able to answer all the questions and why this tragedy occurred."
Husband and wife enjoy Xmas dinner days before she's charged with his murder
The suspect is currently being held at North Richland Hills Police Department’s Joint Detention awaiting arraignment for his capital murder charge.