Watervliet, NY — 14-Year-Old Charged with Attempted Murder Released on Electronic Monitoring Following Violent Juvenile Stabbing Incident

Watervliet, NY — 14-Year-Old Charged with Attempted Murder Released on Electronic Monitoring Following Violent Juvenile Stabbing Incident

Watervliet, NY — A small community is grappling with shock, concern, and unease after a violent stabbing involving teenagers erupted in Watervliet, New York, on June 12, 2025. The incident has not only left one juvenile recovering from serious injuries but also sparked intense public scrutiny after the alleged assailant, a 14-year-old girl, was released back into the community under electronic monitoring.

According to the Watervliet Police Department, the violent altercation occurred around 4:00 p.m. near the intersection of 13th Street and 2nd Avenue, where officers responded to reports of a large group fight involving multiple juveniles. Upon arrival, authorities discovered two injured minors—one suffering from the effects of pepper spray and the other with multiple stab wounds inflicted during the melee. Both were promptly transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. Thankfully, the stabbing victim’s injuries were deemed non-life-threatening, and the youth is expected to recover.

In a swift and thorough investigation, police identified the suspect as a 14-year-old female, who allegedly repeatedly stabbed the other juvenile with a knife in a manner police described as demonstrating clear and deliberate intent to cause serious bodily harm or death. On June 13, just one day after the incident, the teen was taken into custody and formally charged with several serious crimes:

• Attempted Murder in the 2nd Degree (Class A Felony)
• Attempted Assault in the 1st Degree (Class B Felony)
• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 4th Degree (Class A Misdemeanor)

Despite the gravity of the charges, the teen was arraigned in Albany County Family Court and released under electronic monitoring to the supervision of the Albany County Probation Department. This decision has stirred intense backlash, particularly from law enforcement officials and members of the community.

Watervliet Police Chief William M. Rice issued a strongly worded public statement addressing the concerns shared by his department and residents alike. “While we are grateful the victim is recovering, it is concerning releasing a juvenile back into the community so quickly after allegedly committing such a heinous act,” he said. “When a 14-year-old uses a knife to repeatedly stab another child with clear intent to cause serious harm or death, this isn’t a typical juvenile offense—this is attempted murder. The fact that electronic monitoring is considered adequate supervision for someone who allegedly tried to kill another person sends a deeply troubling message.”

The Chief’s statement reflects a broader sentiment among law enforcement officers and families who are alarmed by the seeming disparity between the serious nature of the crime and the leniency of the pre-trial conditions.

Legal experts note that in New York State, juvenile offenders—even those charged with violent felonies—are often handled through Family Court rather than criminal court, especially under “Raise the Age” laws, which emphasize rehabilitation over punishment. However, critics argue that such frameworks may not always account for the threat posed by extreme acts of violence committed by minors.

The case has also ignited wider conversations around youth violence, community safety, and the role of the juvenile justice system in cases where the alleged crime mirrors adult-level severity. Many in Watervliet are demanding a review of the protocols that allowed such a decision, fearing it sets a dangerous precedent.

The Watervliet Police Department’s investigation remains active, and authorities urge anyone with information or additional footage of the June 12 incident to come forward. Tips can be shared directly with the WPD by calling (518) 270-3825.

As the community continues to support the young victim’s recovery and seek answers, many are calling for both accountability and reform—not just for this case, but for how serious juvenile violence is addressed moving forward. The incident is a stark reminder that even small cities are not immune to the rising tide of youth-related violence and the complex questions it leaves in its wake.