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12-year-old charged with attempted murder for allegedly stabbing another boy in Brooklyn
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Brittany Kriegstein
Published Dec 19, 2025
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Brittany Kriegstein / Gothamist
By
Brittany Kriegstein
Published Dec 19, 2025
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A 12-year-old boy is facing an attempted murder charge after police say he stabbed and critically wounded another boy at a Brooklyn playground Thursday.
Authorities said the violence stemmed from a fight between both 12-year-olds just before 3 p.m. inside Betsy Head Park, near Thomas S. Boyland Street and Dumont Avenue in Brownsville. NYPD officers arrived to find the victim with a stab wound to his chest, and first responders took him to Brooklyn University Medical Center in critical but stable condition, according to officials.
Police said they initially took two people into custody in connection with the incident: the 12-year-old suspect and a 9-year-old boy. Officials said they later released the younger boy to his parents after determining he was not directly involved in the stabbing.
The 12-year-old was arrested in the 73rd Precinct, where the alleged assault took place. Police said they would not publicly identify him because he is a minor.
Officials said they were still investigating whether the boys knew each other before the altercation, as well as the circumstances leading up to it.
NYPD data shows felony assaults — attacks that result in serious injuries — have increased 27% so far this year in the 73rd Precinct, which includes Brownsville and Ocean Hill. There were nearly 800 such assaults in the precinct through Dec. 14, compared to about 630 by the same date last year. Felony assaults citywide are at about the same level as they were at this time in 2024, police data shows.
This is a developing story based on preliminary information from police and may be updated.
Tagged
brooklyn
brownsville
new york city
parks
public safety
Brittany Kriegstein
Brittany Kriegstein covers all breaking news around New York City, with a focus on crime and gun violence. Got a tip? Email Brittany at [email protected].
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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