Throwing the Baby
In Houston, Texas, a l2-year-old boy was charged with capital murder in the death of a 10-month-old baby who apparently suffered injuries from being thrown. The incident occurred while a group of children from two families were left unsupervised. The boy, who has 9 siblings, was being held in juvenile custody and faces up to 40 years in prison if convicted. (USA Today, 4-23-2009, p. 9A)

5-year-old Girl Drowns Baby Cousin
In Kansas City, Missouri, a 5-year-old girl is said to have confessed to something that will make your skin tingle. Police were investigating what they thought was an accidental death when the girl allegedly told social workers that she dragged her 18-month-old cousin into a full bathtub and drowned him because he cried too much. Police are now investigating it as a possible homicide. (USA Today, 6-11-2011, p. 8A)

Girl Kills Her Neighbor
In Jefferson City, Missouri, a 15-year-old girl was indicted on a charge of 1st degree murder in the slaying of her 9-year-old neighbor. The teen stands accused of killing Elizabeth Olten by strangling the girl, cutting her throat, and stabbing her on October 21st of 2009. A Cole County judge ruled she should stand trial as an adult. (USA Today, 11-19-2009, p. 6A)

• Fact: Between 1976 and 2005, 65 children ages 7 and 8 were arrested for murder. (The Week, 11-21-2008, p. 9)