An 11-year-old was arrested after his 5-year-old brother was found dead in their Centennial, Colorado, home on March 10. The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office says the death is being investigated as a homicide and the juvenile suspect is held at the Marvin W. Foote Youth Services Center. Officials noted information will be limited because both children are minors; the case is being handled in Juvenile Court and the 18th District Attorney's Office expects to file formal charges soon.
11-Year-Old Arrested on Suspicion of Murder After 5-Year-Old Brother Found Dead in Colorado
Arapahoe Sheriff's Office vehicleCredit: Arapahoe Sheriff's office
An 11-year-old boy has been taken into custody after his 5-year-old brother was found dead inside their home in Centennial, Colorado, authorities said. The Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office responded to the residence around 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, after a report concerning the younger child.
Following the initial response, the sheriff’s office said investigators identified everyone involved and determined there was no ongoing danger to the community. Hours later officials updated the investigation, saying the younger child’s death is being treated as a homicide and that the 11-year-old sibling is a suspect.
"Everyone involved has been identified, and there is no danger to the community," the sheriff's office wrote. "The case is being investigated as a homicide. The cause of death remains under investigation."
Charges and Custody
The juvenile suspect, whose name has not been released because he is a minor, is being held at the Marvin W. Foote Youth Services Center and is facing a reported charge of first-degree murder. Authorities described the matter as an "open and active investigation" and declined to provide additional details about the circumstances or timeline inside the home.
Legal Process and Statements
Officials said the case is being handled in Juvenile Court. A spokesperson for the 18th District Attorney’s Office told the Denver Gazette that formal charges were expected to be filed within about a week. The D.A.'s office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from PEOPLE.
"Our hearts go out to the family of these two young boys and to everyone in our community who is grieving this loss," Sheriff Tyler Brown said, asking for patience and support while investigators gather facts.
What Authorities Have Said
Because both the victim and the suspect are minors, officials warned that public information will be limited. Investigators have urged the community to allow them time to complete their work and have said there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
No further details about the cause or timeline of the child's death have been released as the investigation continues.
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