Marion County

9-year-old Ocala boy accused of trying to kill 5-year-old sister with knife pleads not guilty at hearing

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A 9-year-old boy accused of stabbing his 5-year-old sister has pleaded not guilty via his attorney during a court appearance Wednesday.

According to officials. the boy stabbed his sister at their apartment near Silver Springs Boulevard in January after he said he couldn’t shake the thought of killing her.

READ MORE: Ocala boy, 9, accused of stabbing sister, 5, with kitchen knife faces judge for brief hearing

The boy made a brief appearance last week that lasted only four minutes where he was obscured from cameras by two adults.

The judge may be able to provide a ruling on whether the boy is mentally competent or not during his hearing.

READ MORE: 9-year-old boy who stabbed 5-year-old sister in Ocala likely won’t be tried as adult, former judge says

Hospital officials said the girl is expected to recover from her injuries.

The next hearing date will be the beginning of the boy’s trial.


Christopher Boyce, WFTV.com

Christopher Boyce joined WFTV in January of 2019.