Washington Teen Who Fatally Stabbed Mother’s Boyfriend Free After Killing Found ‘Justifiable’

A Washington teen who fatally stabbed his mother’s boyfriend last month has had his case dismissed after investigators ruled it was a “justifiable homicide.”

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to the scene of the stabbing incident at the Coventry Court Apartments at around 1:45 a.m. on April 30. They arrived to find a 16-year-old boy, whose identity was not released due to his age, had stabbed his mother’s 23-year-old boyfriend.

The man was transported to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Investigators said several other people were in the apartment, including a younger child, but there were no other injuries.

The sheriff’s office said the investigation was “challenging” due state juvenile laws enacted in 2021 that prevented detectives from directly interviewing the teen. As a result, the boy was booked into Remann Hall, a juvenile detention center, until his defense attorney could provide his statement.

The boy was released to home monitoring on May 13, pending the resolution of the case. The sheriff’s office said that resolution came Thursday when the case was dismissed, after it was determined the homicide was “justifiable.”

Authorities did not provide details as to what the man did to justify the homicide.

“We are thankful this case can finally be closed, and this young man can move forward with love and support from his family and community,” the sheriff’s office said.