Boy Accused of Killing Relative to Rescue Mother

A 7-year-old boy allegedly stabbed his grandfather to death, but police said the child apparently was trying to defend his mother in a fight with the man.

No criminal charges have been filed against the boy, who was released to the custody of his mother after being questioned by police.

Wayne County prosecutors are expected to review the police investigation later this week. The boy will likely face a hearing before a juvenile court judge, who will decide upon measures that could range from mandatory counseling to incarceration.

Police said John White had been drinking Sunday and a fight had broken out between him and his 24-year-old daughter. She was not injured. White, 48, was pronounced dead about 90 minutes after he was stabbed in the lower back with a steak knife.

A key issue is whether the boy understood the consequences of his actions, said Ron Schigur, deputy chief Wayne County prosecutor in charge of the juvenile court division.