UPDATE: The case of 17-year-old charged with attempted murder dismissed by reason of insanity

Caden Rutledge
UPDATE: As of June 3, 2024, Caden Rutledge, now 17-years-old, had his case dismissed due to being deemed not responsible by reason of insanity. There was a jury trial scheduled, but it was canceled due to the case being dismissed.

ORIGINAL STORY: MISHAWAKA, Ind. - The 16-year-old accused of stabbing his mother and two dogs Friday morning has been charged with attempted murder, according to court documents. 

The teen, identified as Caden Rutledge, was also charged with aggravated battery, two counts of torturing an animal, and two counts of battery. 

Police received calls about the stabbing around 5:30 a.m. Friday near Lincolnway and Oakside Avenues. 

During the 911 call, the victim was heard shouting, "don't kill me," over and over, according to police.

Upon arriving at the scene, police found the victim at a neighbor's residence suffering from about 13 stab wounds. She was taken to the hospital for her injuries. 

Officers were told the victim was attacked by her son, who was still in the home at the time police arrived. He allegedly took the victim's cell phone to prevent her from calling police. 

During a preliminary search of the property, police also found two dogs that had been stabbed. 

The suspect told police he stabbed the dogs because "he had been manipulated by Satan," police reports state. 

He said he had to stab his mother so he could kill the demon in her, according to police. 

The Humane Society of St. Joseph County posted an update Saturday morning about the two dogs, saying they are both receiving treatment and in fair condition, but are not out of the woods yet. Their treatment will cost thousands of dollars. If you'd like to donate to their medical bills, click here for more information. 


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