The Berks County District Attorney's Office has ruled that the fatal stabbing of 15-year-old Kayden Beauville in Reading, Pennsylvania, on June 6 was an act of self-defense. District Attorney John Adams stated that the decision came after reviewing extensive video surveillance and conducting interviews, including a post-incident statement from the individual who committed the stabbing.
The incident occurred after a fight between Beauville and the unnamed individual, who was reportedly chased by Beauville and a group of others. During the altercation, Beauville was stabbed and later died, while another person was injured but has since been released from the hospital.
According to Reading Eagle, the person responsible for the stabbing voluntarily came to City Hall with his mother an hour after the incident to provide his account to the police. The District Attorney emphasized that the individual's account was largely corroborated by video evidence, which played a significant role in the ruling.
Authorities have noted potential gang ties related to the incident, and the individual involved has since left the area. District Attorney Adams cautioned against any retaliatory violence, stating that such actions would not be tolerated by his office or the Reading Police Department.