Warning: This report presents vivid details of violence that some readers may consider upsetting.
Richland Hills, Texas, has been rocked by the tragic death of an 8-year-old kid. Brenym McDonald was reportedly murdered by his grandpa, who has subsequently been caught and detained by police. The heinous murder occurred on January 1, 2023, on New Year’s Day, and it shocked the community.
The small boy died at his Richland Hills home after sustaining severe force wounds to his neck and chest. As per local police and the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office, Brenym’s death was classed as a homicide. Richland Hills police and fire teams responded independently to the 3500 block of Labadie Drive at 8 a.m. on New Year’s Day.
According to authorities, the boy’s grandpa, Phillip Hughes, was apprehended and brought into jail a block away from the residence. Someone from the residence phoned 911 and reported the event, according to Sheena McEachran, a Richland Hills spokesperson. The cops claimed to have discovered the murder weapon.
The authorities have not provided any formal information about the boy’s murder. A team of police is currently investigating the murder to determine the motivation for the homicide. Maddox Sullivan, a family friend of the dead youngster, remembers Brenym as brilliant, passionate, constantly smiling, and having the largest heart. There wasn’t a single room he couldn’t light up with his grin, or a tale he couldn’t tell you that would make you laugh, Sullivan said as he produced a link to the boy’s family’s GoFundMe account.
Phillip Hughes, the accused, is a 62-year-old war veteran. He is charged with capital murder of a child under the age of ten. He was an Army veteran, and he did a horrible thing, but also… he had difficulties going back a long way, and it’s just a sad tragedy, a neighbor said. It’s simply sad.
According to Brenym’s great-grandmother Linda Hubbard, (Brenym) was simply a regular 8-year-old child, full of life. They were thrilled that he enjoyed cooking. Her daughter had personalized a chef’s hat and an apron for him. He took it with him in order to assist in the kitchen. He was simply having fun. Hubbard went from Missouri to Texas with the rest of her family after learning of the tragic death of her great-grandson, whom she had last met around Thanksgiving.
On January 2, the Birdville school district issued the following statement: ‘Unfortunately, this was one of their kids. Today, campus personnel have been processing the disaster and contacting parents in the affected grade level. When students return, they will have more counselors on campus,’ since Brenym was a student there.
The Richland Hills Police Department wishes to convey its sympathies to all touched by this tragic event and requests continuing prayers for all concerned, the officials stated in a statement.
