A Texas teen has been charged with the brutal murder of his neighbor, allegedly telling investigators he wanted to see what it was like to stab someone.
ABC13 reported that the 15-year-old boy, whose name remains undisclosed due to his age, was arrested Monday in connection with the July 20 discovery of Dana Magnuson’s body at her Hockley home. Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez confirmed that Magnuson, 62, had suffered stab wounds.
Deputies from the Harris County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) found Magnuson’s body in her backyard shed after responding to her home on Sunshine Meadow at around 7:00 p.m. Investigators believe the attack began in her hot tub, moved into the house, and ended in the shed.
The suspect reportedly told police he wanted to experience stabbing someone. The boy’s attorney, Jon Stephenson, stated, “We look forward to seeing the evidence they actually have. He’s a good kid from a good family, and we are working to figure out what really happened.”
Magnuson’s son, Tyler Pitney, revealed that the alleged killer was a neighbor who helped with chores. Describing the horrifying scene, Pitney said, “There was still blood everywhere — all over here — the doors. To be honest, I don’t think it’s really hit me yet.” He described his mother as “the most loving person, the kindest, sweetest soul anyone’s ever known,” and expressed hope that the teen would be charged as an adult.
Magnuson was a school bus driver who enjoyed gardening and running marathons. The family has set up a GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses. The teen suspect is currently held at the Harris County Juvenile Detention Center, according to Sheriff Gonzalez.
