RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) -- Richmond Police have arrested a 16-year-old male in connection with the homicide and attack on Brandon Road on Thursday.
The name of the suspect is being withheld because of his age.
He has been charged with murder and strangulation.
Police said officers were called to the 200 block of Brandon Road at approximately 6:30 p.m. Thursday for a report of an assault and found two juveniles under the age of 13 who had been assaulted.
Martin Cobb, 8, of the 200 block of Brandon Road, died at the scene and the second juvenile was taken to the hospital for treatment.
A vigil for Cobb was held Saturday night.
His mother was among the hundreds who came out to remember the little boy known as "Marty" in the neighborhood.
A sign now sits outside the family's home to remind everyone in the area that he died a hero.
"Just regular people in the neighborhood, they donated it and put it up," said Marty's cousin, Ebony Hullenquest.
Hullenquest said her cousin had a love for toy cars and was always seen riding his bike in the neighborhood.
A memorial fund has been set up and donations are being accepted at any Wells Fargo branch. Just let the teller know you are donating to the "Keys For Marty" fund.
She said her younger son looked up to the courageous eight-year-old
"That was his role model," said Hullenquest. "When you saw him, you saw Marty."
Within hours of the crime, detectives identified and located the suspect, who was medically evaluated before being charged with the crimes.
Initially, detectives were given information that the suspect was an adult white male with scraggly facial hair, but later determined the victim had been threatened and intimidated by the suspect, who is a teenage black male.
The aunt of the children told CBS 6 Reporter Jon Burkett that Thursday afternoon the children were playing on the railroad tracks near the200 block of Brandon Road in South Richmond.
While the children played, the aunt said a person approached and attempted to rape the 12-year-old girl.
Marty was beaten when he attempted to intervene, she said. The eight-year-old boy died as a result of the beating.
Police continue to investigate and have not yet spoken publicly about the circumstances that led to the child’s death.
Detectives still ask anyone with any information about this crime to call Crime Stoppers at 780-1000 or text Crime Stoppers at 274637, using the key word “ITip” followed by your tip.
CBS 6 Reporter Jon Burkett first reported that there was an individual in custody, according to police sources. His report from Friday is below:
