An unthinkable tragic event occurred in Texas on New Year's morning. A grandfather allegedly stabbed his 8-year-old grandson to death.
At approximately 7:50 a.m. on Sunday, January 1, 2023, police responded to a 911 call in Richland Hills, Texas. When they arrived at the scene, they found the body of Brenym McDonald in his grandfather’s bedroom. Phillip Hughes was found near the residence and arrested.
According to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner, Brenym’s cause of death was “sharp force injuries to his neck and chest.” His death was ruled a homicide. At this time, Hughes’ motive is unknown. Brenym and his parents were living with Hughes temporarily.
Police issued a statement about this horrific event. “This is still an ongoing active investigation. However, based on the initial investigation it is believed that no other suspects are involved,” authorities stated.
An anonymous neighbor shed some light on this tragedy. “He was an Army veteran, and he did a terrible thing, but also … he had issues going back a long way and … it’s just a terrible tragedy. It’s just heartbreaking,” the neighbor told WFAA.
Hughes' only previous criminal record was for drunk driving in 2020. He served 90 days in jail for this. His arraignment for allegedly murdering his grandson took place on Monday, January 2, 2023, and his bond was determined to be $2 million.
The community is reeling from this fatality. Brenym’s school district is helping students through this difficult time.
"Sadly, this was one of our students," the Birdville Independent School District stated. "Campus staff have been processing this tragedy today and calling parents in the impacted grade level. We will have additional counselors on campus when students return."
Brenym’s family is also trying to understand this senseless tragedy. His great-grandmother Linda Hubbard remembers him fondly. He was “just a normal 8-year-old boy, full of life. He liked to cook, which we were excited about. My daughter had ordered him a chef’s hat with his name on it and an apron. He brought that with him so he could help in the kitchen. He just had fun,” she recalled.
A GoFundMe has been established to help the family with funeral costs. It remembers Brenym McDonald as “smart, enthusiastic, always smiling with the biggest heart. There wasn't a single room he couldn't light up with his smile, or a story he couldn't tell you that would make you laugh.”
Police are asking anyone with any information to contact them at 817-616-3788 or [email protected]. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can use 469tips.com or call 817-469-TIPS. Any information is helpful at this time.
Police officers were also impacted by this incident and expressed their sympathies in a statement: “The Richland Hills Police Department would like to express its condolences to those affected by this senseless tragedy and ask for continued prayers for everyone involved.”
