James Campbell, a 13-year-old baby-faced boy, is facing murder charges in Pennsylvania in connection with the death of Hunter Meyers, his closest friend and cousin, who was ten years old.
At his grandmother’s house, sixty miles southeast of Pittsburgh in Donegal Township, Campbell is said to have inflicted several knife wounds to the head of his friend. Meyers was napping at the time of his murder. He was in an upstairs bedroom with a bloodied knife nearby. Campbell had cuts on his hands. He subsequently confessed to the murder.
Dorothy Meyers, who is the mother of the victim, stated that nobody had voiced any concerns or warnings about Campbell before his homicidal act. The police still have not been able to determine a motive.
The victim’s mother has made a unique and heartbreaking appeal for mercy toward Campbell, saying that people should not forget that he is a child and that he will face the consequences of his actions. Additionally, she has requested assistance in locating a funeral home to embalm her son.
At 6 in the morning on Thursday, someone dialed 911 after discovering Meyers’ lifeless body with a knife nearby. While being led into court by Pennsylvania State Police Officers, Campbell, dressed in a blue prison uniform and no shoes, maintained his gaze fixed on the ground. As an adult on trial, he answered simple questions with a low voice and confirmed his identification. Authorities are still baffled by the motivation; according to Trooper Steve Limani, Campbell is facing charges of criminal homicide and first-degree murder.
The victim’s mother, Dorothy, cherished him. She spoke heartfelt tributes about his love of animals, the park, and snuggling. When he was older, he dreamed of being a police officer or a diesel mechanic.
Campbell and Meyers were both students at Agora Cyber Charter School. The school spokeswoman described the event as a “tragic situation,” and they assured kids that counselors would be accessible to them when the school year resumes in the autumn.
By the end of Friday night, almost $16,000 had been collected through a GoFundMe page established to assist Meyers’ family.
