by BRICK TOWNSHIP, NEW JERSEY — A shocking act of family violence has left a 2-year-old boy hospitalized and his 20-year-old sister under arrest after an alleged stabbing inside their home in Brick Township over the weekend.
According to the Brick Township Police Department, officers responded to a distress call around 2:30 p.m. Saturday after receiving reports of a young child suffering from a stab wound. The incident unfolded along Burke Lane, a residential area that was quickly swarmed by emergency responders following the alarming report.
Child Found with Stab Wound to the Chest
Upon arrival, officers discovered the toddler suffering from a stab wound to his chest. Emergency medical personnel immediately provided life-saving aid before transporting the child to a nearby hospital. Officials later confirmed that the boy was in stable condition and receiving ongoing medical care.
Authorities have identified the suspect as Marlene Rodriguez, 20, of Brick Township. She is accused of attacking her younger brother during what police described as a disturbing domestic incident inside the family home.
Sister Charged with Attempted Murder
Investigators say Rodriguez was swiftly taken into custody following the incident. She now faces multiple felony charges, including:
- Attempted murder
- Unlawful possession of a weapon
- Possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose
- Endangering the welfare of a child
Officials said Rodriguez is currently being held at the Ocean County Jail, where she awaits a detention hearing. Authorities have not yet released details on what led up to the violent altercation or a possible motive behind the attack.
Investigation Into Motive and Circumstances Continues
Detectives from the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit and Brick Township Police Department continue to investigate the shocking case. Law enforcement sources indicated that forensic teams collected evidence from the scene, including the suspected weapon, believed to be a kitchen knife.
While the motive remains under investigation, officials have confirmed that no other injuries were reported during the incident. Authorities have also not disclosed whether any other family members were present at the time of the stabbing.
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Neighbors who spoke to local media described the area as a quiet, family-oriented neighborhood, expressing disbelief over the alleged attack. One nearby resident told reporters that emergency vehicles flooded the block on Saturday afternoon, saying, “We saw police everywhere — no one could believe something like this happened here.”
Child Expected to Recover
Though details about the victim’s condition remain limited, police confirmed that the child was conscious and alert upon arrival at the hospital. Medical staff have continued to monitor his recovery closely, and as of Sunday evening, the 2-year-old was reported to be in stable condition.
Authorities are also working with the New Jersey Department of Children and Families to ensure the child’s safety following the incident. Officials said appropriate steps will be taken once medical treatment concludes and additional family assessments are completed.
Community Shocked by Family Violence
The Brick Township community has reacted with shock and concern to news of the incident. Many residents expressed sympathy for the victim and confusion over what could have caused a young woman to harm her sibling.
Family violence involving young children is rare but deeply traumatic, police noted. The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office emphasized the importance of mental health support and early intervention in preventing such tragedies, urging families to seek help if tensions or behavioral issues arise at home.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Rodriguez remains in custody and has not yet entered a plea. Prosecutors are expected to present the case during her upcoming detention hearing in Ocean County Superior Court.
If convicted on the attempted murder charge, Rodriguez could face decades in state prison, along with additional penalties related to the child endangerment and weapons offenses.
Law enforcement officials say updates will be provided as the case develops, and they continue to ask anyone with additional information to contact the Brick Township Police Department.
For continuing updates on this developing case and other major crime stories across New Jersey, visit race-day-live.com.
