Police: 6-year-old stabbed by mother expected to survive

Child stabbed by her mother in Fitchburg Monday

FITCHBURG, Wis. — Police said the 6-year-old girl allegedly stabbed by her mother in Fitchburg is expected to recover.

The girl is in critical condition at American Family Children’s Hospital after police said her mother stabbed her multiple times as the girl slept.

Police said they were called to the 5100 block of Anton Drive at about 2:20 a.m. Monday.

Police say they were called when the woman apparently went to a neighbor’s home, saying she had stabbed her daughter. The mother also sustained apparent self-inflicted stab wounds, police said.

The girl was taken to American Family Children’s Hospital.

“The mother’s injuries are not life-threatening,” Fitchburg police Lt. Todd Stetzer said. “The daughter is in critical condition with life-threatening injuries, but (doctors are) optimistic as far as her recovery.”

Police say the 6-year-old underwent two surgeries to save her life.

As of 1:30 p.m. Monday, medical staff has described the girl’s medical condition as critical but said she is expected to recover.

Neighbors said they are shocked by the incident.

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“It’s very devastating, and it’s very tragic, and I cannot believe something like that would happen, especially around here,” neighbor Pollie Charello said. “It’s really, really sad and devastating.”

Investigators said while the mother admitted to the crime, they’re still trying to figure out a motive.

The mother is being treated at a local hospital, but remains in police custody.

Police said they have had contact with the mother in the past, but there was nothing that suggested the daughter was in any danger.

“It’s a horrible thing to see, and you just hope the child can recover and move forward,” Stetzer said.

Police have not yet named the mother or child involved.