Richmond, Va., police have arrested a 16-year-old and charged him with murder in the death of an 8-year-old boy.
The suspect, who is not being named because of his age, is described as a teenage black male by police. Detectives identified and located the suspect and took him for medical evaluation before being charged with the crimes.
The victim, 8-year-old Martin Cobb, was defending his 12-year-old sister from the alleged attacker, who was trying to sexually assault the girl. The suspect struck and killed Cobb on train tracks behind the children’s home.
The suspect also faces a charge of strangulation in connection with the assault on the girl.
The family told NBC News that the girl was being treated at VCU Medical Center and was feeling “ok.”
A vigil is planned for Saturday night at 7:30 p.m. at the Abundant Life Church in Richmond.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of the victim's family, via WWBT