Five-year-old boy fatally stabs twin brother in California

The twins were fighting when one brother grabbed a small kitchen knife and stabbed his sibling. File photo

A five-year-old boy fatally stabbed his twin brother in California, authorities in the US said.

The twins were fighting when one brother grabbed a small kitchen knife and stabbed his sibling in unincorporated Scotts Valley, according to the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office.

The boy died in hospital.

“We are heartbroken for the family of these two young children and share in their grief,” the sheriff’s office wrote in a Facebook post.

Authorities said they do not plan to file criminal charges over the death.

“California law dictates that age, criminal intent, and knowledge of wrongfulness are factors needed to charge a child with a crime,” the Facebook post stated.

“Based on the current investigation, there is no indication of negligence or criminal activity by any other party.” 

Scotts Valley is roughly 55 miles south of San Francisco.