- Leila Fowler, 8, stabbed to death at her California home in April
- Police set to charge her 12-year-old brother with homicide
- Boy 'suspended after bringing penknife to school in April'
- 12-year-old discovered Leila's body and told police he saw a tall gray-haired man
Justin Fowler, 19, said on Monday that his family are shocked and saddened by the latest twist in a case that has rocked the community of Valley Springs, California.
Leila Fowler, eight, was stabbed to death on April 27 inside her home, leading to an intense manhunt.
Her 12-year-old brother was home at the time and told police he saw a man run from the scene.
He was arrested on Saturday over his sister's death.
The boy had appeared at a vigil for his sister on April 30, along with brother Justin, who was photographed with the name 'Leila' written on his forearm.
It emerged on Monday that the 12-year-old boy was suspended from school in April for having a penknife, according to CNN.
The day before his arrested, the boy's mother had described him as ‘protective’ of his younger sister.
On Friday, as speculation in the community built that perhaps the boy was involved, Priscilla Rodriquez told Sacramento television station KOVR her son ‘could never hurt his sister'.
'I've never seen him be mean to her,' the mother said.
Less than a day later, police delivered the stunning news: The 12-year-old boy had been arrested and will be charged with homicide.
