Having your 13-year-old boy babysit his 5-year-old-sister sounds a little risky, but in the case of Devalon Armstrong, it was fatal. The boy apparently tried out wrestling moves on the girl, and continued to punch and slam her, long after she complained it hurt too much. He said he was trying out moves he’d seen on World Wrestling Entertainment. She left with a stomach ache to go upstairs and brush her teeth, and that’s where her brother found her half an hour later, doubled over in pain.
When he realized she wasn’t breathing, he took her to the couch and called 911. Paramedics pronounced her dead shortly after that.
His wrestling around had evidently broken a few ribs and also lacerated her liver. Armstrong was arrested later that day on suspicion of second-degree murder and is currently awaiting psychiatric evaluation to see if he is mentally able to defend himself.
WWE meanwhile calls the tragedy regrettable, but blames lack of parental supervision.
“The death of Viloude Louis is a tragedy, and our condolences go out to her family,” they said, as reported on the Daily News.
“WWE urges restraint in reporting this unfortunate incident as if it were the result of a WWE wrestling move. As in similar cases, criminal intent to harm and a lack of parental supervision have been the factors resulting in a tragic death.”
They also said “Authorities have already charged the accused with second degree murder and determined that this was not an accidental death due to a wrestling move.”