Michigan Playground Stabbing Results in 9-Year-Old Dead And 12-Year-Old In Custody

A 9-year-old western Michigan boy is dead after being allegedly stabbed by a 12-year-old boy on a Kentwood, Michigan playground, stated local police during a press release today. According to witnesses, four children were playing normally before the 12 year old pulled out the knife and stabbed the 9 year old on the playground.

The 9-year-old, Michael Conner Verkerke, made his way home after the stabbing and collapsed on his front porch. Michael Conner Verkerke later died on the way to the hospital.

It is unknown whether Michael Verkerke was an intentional target out of anger or if it was an accidental stabbing due to horseplay. Regardless, the playground stabbing coerced the 12 year old stabber to find his way to a neighboring house and call the police to report the stabbing. Glen Stacey, whose phone was used to call the police, stated that the boy was calm when he called the police.

“The only time he raised his voice was when the police came,”

Glen Stacey also reported that the police arrived and immediately directed their attention to Michael Verkerke to ensure he received the proper care and determine the extent of his wounds. From there, they made their way to the playground where they believed the 12 year old stabber to be waiting. However, as they passed Glen Stacey’s house, the boy yelled out to them from her front lawn,

“Hello. I’m right here. You’re going the wrong way.”

According to Opposing Views,

“Stacy claims the boy told him he was upset because nobody loves him and had taken “a lot of pills” earlier in the day. He said the boy calmly cooperated with investigators who arrived on the scene.”

The 12-year-old boy is currently in the Kent County Juvenile Detention Center, where formal charges are pending. His name is being withheld due to his age. An autopsy is currently planned for Michael Verkerke to determine that the stab wound is the actual cause of death. At that time, it will be determined whether the 12-year-old will be charged as an adult or a juvenile.

Within the last year, First Lady Michelle Obama addressed a joint luncheon meeting in Chicago to speak out on youth violence in Chicago’s neighborhoods, an issue that is becoming all too common in many Michigan neighborhoods, as well as those across the nation. There has been no word whether or not she will speak out on this playground stabbing and the impact that it has on the community as a whole.

[Photo Courtesy: World Now]