Texas authorities say three children were fatally stabbed, and two more suffered injuries during an attack inside a home.
Ellis County Sheriff’s Deputy Jerry Cozby confirmed officers were dispatched to South Harris Street in Italy, Texas, around 4 p.m., where they found the children.
Three children were pronounced dead at the scene, and the other two other children were transported to a nearby hospital, ABC News reported.
A suspect was arrested, and an investigation is underway.
“We are shocked by this incomprehensible tragedy and already working with law enforcement to investigate how this happened, and why,” the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services said in a statement.
Italy Independent School District Superintendent Rachel Kistner said the district is “deeply saddened by the tragedy that occurred off-campus” and is cooperating with local law enforcement in the investigation.
“Words cannot express the overwhelming grief felt by the district and the community hearing of such a tragedy,” Kistner‘s statement reads. “We are a tight-knit, small community, and as such many students will be impacted by this incident.”
