A 19-year-old Colorado Springs man has been accused of stabbing his young siblings to death and attacking his father.
Malik Vincent Murphy, who is reportedly on medication for a severe mental illness, allegedly attacked the three with a knife at their home just after 1am on Tuesday; his sister, five, and brother, seven, died despite efforts from EMTs.
Colorado Springs police Lt. Howard Black told KKTV 11 that the ‘horrific’ incident had affected first responders, adding: ‘when you’re talking about two young children, it’s hard to put into words. It’s very, very difficult for our staff.’
Malik Murphy (pictured in mugshot) was arrested early Tuesday morning for allegedly stabbing his father and siblings. The children died in hospital; the father’s expected to recover
The attack occurred at the family’s home (pictured). Investigators are still not sure why the attack occurred. Murphy reportedly has a severe mental illness
Detectives are not yet sure what happened before the attack, but say they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the killings.
All three victims were transported to hospital, but only Murphy’s father – who has not yet been identified by police – survived. He is expected to recover.
Other family members were at home during the attacks but were not hurt, Black said.
They – and family friends – are now being interviewed about the incident to try to piece together what happened.
In March Malik was arrested (mugshot from that arrest pictured) for setting his parents’ car alight. Charges were dropped on the condition that he had counseling
Murphy was also arrested in Effingham County, Illinois, in late March after setting fire to his parents’ car, WXEF reported.
The car was spotted engulfed in flames on a grassy verge along the Avenue of Mid-America. It’s not clear what he was doing in Illinois.
When police arrived they spotted Murphy staring at the fire; his clothes matched those of the driver described by witnesses.
The case was dismissed in August when Murphy’s parents asked for him not to be charged, Effingham County State’s Attorney Bryan Kibler said.
They said that he had severe mental problems, but was taking medication and had no criminal record.
Kibler said that the case was dismissed by local authorities on the condition that Murphy seek counselling, and the teen had undergone at least six sessions prior to the stabbing incident.
He also said that Murphy had enrolled at Pike’s Peak Community College
Anyone with information on the stabbings is asked to call Colorado Springs Police Department at (719) 444-7000.
Anonymous tips can be submitted to the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (719) 634-STOP (7867) or 1-800-222-8477.