Authorities Charge 11-Year-Old in Killing of Younger Brother, 5

Authorities in suburban Denver are investigating the death of a 5-year-old boy, and his 11-year-old brother has been accused in the case.

Deputies responded Tuesday evening to a home in Centennial after receiving a call about the child. When officers arrived, they found the younger boy dead, according to the Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators have classified the case as a homicide, though officials have not disclosed how the child died or released additional details about the circumstances.

The 11-year-old has been taken into custody and is currently being held at a juvenile detention facility. Prosecutors from the 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office are expected to file formal charges next week, including a count of first-degree murder.

Colorado law allows children as young as 10 to be charged in juvenile court. In certain severe cases, minors who are at least 12 years old can be prosecuted as adults.

Neighbors expressed shock over the tragedy. One resident described the younger boy as kind and affectionate, saying he was the type of child who made people want to hug him and offer help.