‘Good kid’ murdered neighbor because he wanted to see what it was like to stab someone

August 5, 2024 Gloria Shaw

In a disturbing incident in Texas, a 15-year-old boy has been arrested and charged with the murder of his 62-year-old neighbor, Dana Magnuson, after allegedly stabbing her multiple times in her backyard.

The tragic event unfolded earlier this month, leaving the community in shock.

The teenage suspect, whose identity remains undisclosed due to his age, was taken into custody and is being held at the Harris County Juvenile Detention Center. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez confirmed the charges, noting the teen’s connection to the brutal killing.

“Our condolences go out to the victim’s family and all persons impacted by this tragic death,” Sheriff Gonzalez expressed on social media. He praised the relentless efforts of the homicide investigators who swiftly worked on the case.

HOW IT WENT DOWN

On the evening of July 20, 2024, deputies responded to a 911 call from the Magnuson home on Sunshine Meadow Drive, approximately 40 miles northwest of Houston. First responders arrived to a grisly scene, discovering Magnuson’s body inside her blood-soaked backyard shed. She had suffered multiple stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The assailant had fled on foot before authorities arrived.

Magnuson was remembered as an active community member beloved by all who knew her. Initial reports suggest the attack began while Magnuson was in her backyard hot tub. A struggle ensued, ending in the shed where her body was found.

Police caught up with the teen, who later admitted to detectives that he wanted to experience “what it was like to stab someone.”

Jon Stephenson, the juvenile’s attorney, commented on the case, stating that the family awaits the evidence against the boy. “We only have preliminary reports, and a petition has yet to be filed by the State,” he said. “He’s a good kid from a good family, and we are working to figure out what really happened.”

Magnuson’s son, Tyler Pitney, provided more insight into the victim and the suspect. Pitney described the teen as a familiar face who often helped his mother with yard work. He recounted his mother had returned from a bike ride and was gardening when the attack occurred. According to Pitney, her body was dragged into the shed after the assault.

Pitney shared his grief and the horror of discovering the crime scene. “There was still blood everywhere — all over here — the doors. To be honest, I don’t think it’s really hit me yet,” he told reporters. “She was the most loving person, the kindest, sweetest soul anyone’s ever known. This person took a true angel from this world.”

Pitney expressed his family’s hope that the teen would be charged as an adult, though prosecutors have yet to decide on pursuing the certification process required for such charges in Texas.