A 14-year-old boy was hospitalized after authorities say he was attacked with a knife inside his West El Paso home while he was playing video games. His mother, 44-year-old Janie King, is facing a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the Sept. 2 incident.
The case came to light after police were called to a home in the 400 block of Nordstrom Avenue shortly before 6 p.m. following a report of a stabbing. The incident later turned into an hourslong standoff after King remained inside the residence.
According to court documents, the teenager told investigators that he was sitting in his gaming chair when King entered his room carrying a small knife and a baseball bat. He said he asked her to put the weapons down, but she allegedly began attacking him with the knife.
The teenager managed to get away from the room and make his way toward his brother. His brother told investigators that he heard banging, running and screaming before seeing the teen covered in blood.
The boy was heard repeatedly saying that the woman was trying to kill him, according to the court records. His brother then helped him into a bedroom and attempted to control the bleeding with towels while they waited for emergency assistance.
The teenager suffered multiple stab and cut wounds and was taken to a hospital for treatment. Authorities have not publicly released a detailed update on his current medical condition.
Police standoff lasted for hours
After officers arrived at the home, King remained inside, prompting police to establish a perimeter and bring in SWAT and crisis-response personnel.
The standoff continued for several hours. Police eventually gained entry through the garage and took King into custody at about 10:20 p.m.
King was later booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility. Her bond was initially set at $100,000.
At a Sept. 15 court hearing, prosecutors identified the injured teenager as King’s son. The court also heard additional information about the family’s circumstances, including that King homeschooled two of her children.
The judge subsequently reduced King’s bond to $60,000 while imposing several conditions. If released, King must remain under intensive supervision and report to her supervision officer when directed.
She is also prohibited from possessing weapons, firearms or ammunition and cannot possess or consume illegal drugs or alcohol. Most importantly, the court ordered her to have no contact with her son.
Psychiatric evaluation planned
During the latest court proceedings, King’s attorney said she wanted to receive treatment at the psychiatric center at University Medical Center if she is released.
The judge said a psychiatric evaluation would be ordered as the case moves forward.
Prosecutors also asked the court to ensure King does not return to the home or come near the children if she is released.
The criminal case remains pending, and the allegations against King have not been proven in court.
