Brick Township, NJ – A 20-year-old woman is facing attempted murder and weapons charges after authorities say she stabbed her 2-year-old brother inside a Brick Township home Saturday afternoon.
Officers were called to the residence on Burke Lane around 2:30 p.m. following a 911 call.
Responding officers found the toddler suffering from a stab wound to the chest.
Key Points
- Marlene Rodriguez, 20, charged with attempted murder and child endangerment
- Two-year-old victim suffered chest stab wound but is in stable condition
- Rodriguez remains in custody pending a detention hearing
Investigation links sister to stabbing
According to the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office, investigators determined that the child’s sister, Marlene Rodriguez, was responsible for the attack. Authorities have not released a motive.
Child treated for serious injury
The boy was rushed to Jersey Shore University Hospital in Neptune, where he remains in stable condition. Police described the injury as severe but non-life-threatening following emergency treatment.
Multiple agencies involved in response
The Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crime Unit led the investigation, with assistance from the Brick Township Police Department Detective Bureau and the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office Crime Scene Investigation Unit.
Prosecutor praises swift action by responding officers
Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer commended the responding agencies for their quick coordination in securing the scene and identifying the suspect, noting that Rodriguez was taken into custody without incident and lodged at the Ocean County Jail pending a detention hearing.