On August 4, 2014, Michael Connor Verkerke was spending time with his little brother at the playground near his home when he was attacked by an older boy. The 9-year-old Connor had never met the other boy, 12-year-old Jamarion Lawhorn, but Jamarion pulled a hidden knife out of the sand at the playground and stabbed Connor several times in the back. The victim's brother helped him back to the porch of their home, where Connor told the 7-year-old "it's not your fault" and "I'll always love you" as he bled to death. Jamarion was released from custody in early 2021, shortly before his 19th birthday.