A 13-year-old boy in Alberta has been sentenced to three years in an intensive rehabilitation program for attempting to murder his seven-year-old brother. This incident occurred last August when the older boy, who was 12 at the time, repeatedly stabbed his brother at their home in Lethbridge. Initially, the boy had claimed that an unknown assailant entered their home and attacked his brother, but he later pleaded guilty to the charges against him. Under the Youth Criminal Justice Act, the boy's identity remains protected as he is a minor.

Justice Ryan Anderson, who presided over the case, imposed a sentence that consists of two years of secure custody followed by one year of conditional supervision. The rehabilitation program in question, known as the Intensive Rehabilitation and Custody Supervision program, is specifically designed for youth who encounter serious issues with mental health and are convicted of violent crimes. According to Crown prosecutor Lauren Atkinson, this program is generally reserved for youth with significant mental health diagnoses, emphasizing the seriousness of the offence committed by the boy.

The case raises important discussions regarding the treatment of young offenders and the criminal justice system's approach to mental health issues in juvenile cases. This incident reflects the complexities surrounding youth crime and the need for appropriate interventions that address underlying mental health challenges. It also highlights the societal responsibility in providing care and support for minors exhibiting violent behaviors, aiming to rehabilitate rather than solely punish.