Family of suspect in northern Indiana school stabbing seeks home detention

The family of a 15-year-old boy who allegedly stabbed a classmate in a South Bend high school’s restroom wants him placed on home detention while he awaits trial.

St. Joseph prosecutors argued during a Monday court hearing that the teen should remain in juvenile detention for now due to the severity of the allegations in the Jan. 11 stabbing at Adams High School.

“This is an extraordinarily violent offense,” said deputy prosecutor Elizabeth McGrath.

St. Joseph Probate Court Magistrate Judge Graham Polando will decide whether the boy, who is charged as a juvenile with armed robbery, two counts of battery and bringing a weapon onto school property, will stay in custody throughout the proceedings, the South Bend Tribune reported.

Officials said the boy stole THC vape cartridges and money from a classmate at knifepoint before stabbing the male victim.

The victim’s uncle told reporters Monday that his 16-year-old nephew was hospitalized for four days after the stabbing. He said his nephew is still bruised and has a black eye but is lucky he’s alive.

The suspect’s mother and his attorney asked Polando on Monday to let the teen come home under around-the-clock supervision and GPS monitoring.

“I know my son, he’s not a bad kid,” the boy’s mother said.

Defense attorney Michael Wandling said the suspect has no prior criminal record and is looking to seek treatment.

The teen’s next court hearing is a status hearing set for Feb. 7.