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A seven-year-old boy died of a stab wound on December 21st, 2008.

He was Edmonton's thrity-fourth homicide victim of the year.

Case status is closed and the death has been ruled as non-culpable.

Police have concluded their investigation of what was initially a suspicious death involving a seven-year-old child.

A 911 call reporting an injured boy came from inside a home at 14224 25 Street at about 2:00 p.m. Sunday, December 21st.

"A seven year old child had been injured at this location," Acting Inspector Kevin Kobi told media. "The child was subsequently transported from this location to hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival."

"My understanding is there was some family member home .... one thing I can say it doesn't appear to be a random act of any kind. The occupants that were in the house are all known to the residents. It wasn't someone that came from outside.

"There's no question that this incident is tragic," Kobi added. "But right now our top concern is the family."

In cases of suspicious deaths, homicide detectives are automatically called in. They are experts in sudden deaths, Kobi said.

More details emerged as family members gathered at the house. When two young men pulled up in a black Acura Prelude, the driver got out of the car and unleashed a profanity-laced barrage towards media, telling them "You have no right to be here. You have no life."

One man, Mohammed Mohammed, identified himself as a 10-year friend of the Muslim family. He said there were three children under the age of 13, a mother and a father living in the home.

Mohammed said he was told by another friend that the eldest of the three boys stabbed the middle child.

"It's just kids," Mohammed said. "God knows [what's happened]."

Police did not confirm any media reports and no arrests were immediately made. In a media release investigators said that foul play was not suspected. Police also said they had not been called to the home before.

According to the Youth Criminal Justice Act, "No person shall be convicted of an offence in respect of an act or omission on his or her part while that person was under the age of twelve years."

CTV Edmonton reported that it was a four-year-old who had stabbed his brother while the two were fighting over toys. The station quoted someone who had spoken to a family member.

An autopsy determined the seven-year-old's cause of death was a stab wound to the chest. His name was withheld.

Police said detectives determined that a physical disagreement between the seven-year-old boy and his brother – who was under the age of 12 – led to the incident and that no charges would be laid.

Edmonton's 34th homicide of the year was officially ruled as non-culpable.

The boy's death was an emotionally difficult investigation for officers, Staff Sgt. Bill Spinks, supervisor of the homicide unit, later told media.

"It's difficult for all of us," he said. "We all have children. We're all human beings. But we have a job to do."

Spinks also said the police victims' services unit and Child and Family Services have been working with the family.

"It's a terrible time for them. Our hearts, our condolences go out to the family," he said. "They have good family support, a good network of friends."

Through police, the family requested privacy so that its members would have time to grieve.

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deadmonton 2008 - seven-year-old boy