Teen stabs twin sister during sleepwalking episode

In the early morning hours of September 29, 2021, a tragic event unfolded in the Elliott household in Texas when 17-year-old Benjamin Elliott fatally stabbed his twin sister, Meghan Elliott, in their home as she slept. Benjamin, who claimed to have little memory of the incident, called 911 immediately after realizing what he had done. The loss of Meghan was devastating for the Elliott family, who grappled with the unimaginable reality of losing a daughter while having to contend with their son being accused of the crime. Benjamin maintained that he would never intentionally harm his sister, whom he described as his best friend. Investigations revealed a history of sleepwalking in Benjamin and other family members, which brought into question his state of mind during the incident. Sleep studies conducted on Benjamin indicated that he was likely unaware of his actions when he entered Meghan’s room and wielded a knife. Despite the lack of motive and his parents' unwavering support for him, prosecutors disagreed with Benjamin’s assertions, believing he was responsible for his sister's death. The complexities surrounding the case, including Benjamin's claim of sleepwalking, sparked discussions on mental health and the legal implications of such a defense. As the prosecution sought a lengthy prison sentence, the Elliott family continued to bear the burden of this heartbreaking loss and the intense scrutiny of the legal process. Benjamin insisted he was not guilty of murder, and as the case unfolded, it highlighted the tragic intersection of familial love, sleep disorders, and the judicial system's pursuit of justice.