A mother who attacked and killed her eight-year-old son has been seized by police.

Oliver Hitchcock died at 2.55pm on 1st April following the attack at the family home in Sheboygan, in the US state of Wisconsin, two days earlier (30th March).

Police later dismissed claims on social media that the boy had been stabbed as untrue.

The Sheboygan Falls Police Department (SFPD) initially said in a statement on 31st March: “On Wednesday, March 30, 2022 shortly before 5pm, Sheboygan Falls Police Department responded with Sheboygan Falls Fire Department and Orange Cross Ambulance to an apartment at 1110 Park Trail Lane in the city of Sheboygan Falls for an injury to a child.

“Upon arrival, officers and first responders treated an unresponsive 8-year-old child who was later transported to Saint Nicholas Hospital in Sheboygan.

“At this time, the circumstances of the child’s injury are being treated as a criminal investigation.

“An adult resident of the apartment is also receiving medical attention.

“The Sheboygan County Sherriff’s Office is assisting with the investigation.

“Initial reports on social media are saying the child was stabbed, this is not the case.

“There is no danger to the public. No suspects are being sought.”

In an update on 1st April, the SFPD said: “This media release is an update of information regarding the incident that occurred on March 30, 2022, at 1110 Plank Trail Lane.

“As of 11:00 am today, the child victim, in this case, remains a patient at Children’s Hospital in Wauwatosa. He remains in critical condition.

“The child’s mother was released from a local hospital early this afternoon and transported to the Sheboygan County Jail, where she was booked on two charges of Attempted Intentional Homicide.

“The second charge stems from information obtained by witnesses of an unreported previous incident. As of 1:30 pm today, she has not been charged by the Sheboygan County District Attorney’s Office, so there is no criminal complaint available, nor will her name be released.

“The members of the Police and Fire Department, City Employees, along with the community, continue to pray for the recovery of the victim in this case.”

On 2nd April, the SFPD provided the update: “With great remorse and a heavy heart, I have to report that the victim in this case, eight-year-old Oliver Hitchcock, passed away at 2:55 pm Friday, April 1, 2022, due to his injuries sustained in the assault on March 30, 2022.

“We know the first responders from Sheboygan Falls, Orange Cross Ambulance, the doctors, and staff at Saint Nicolas Hospital in Sheboygan and Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin did everything to save Oliver.

“With this revelation, the requested charges against Oliver’s mother have been changed to include one count of first-degree intentional homicide and one count of attempted intentional homicide.

“A criminal complaint with more detail is expected early next week. We cannot provide any more detail to the second count, as the Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Department is the leading the investigating agency and the details will be provided in the criminal complaint.

“Since the mother has not been criminally charged, we will not be releasing her name. We are not looking at any other suspects in this case.”

According to the authorities, the victim’s father was in the apartment when the 41-year-old mother attacked the boy, and he called 911 and started life-saving measures.

The police stated: “Since Oliver was a student at Sheboygan Falls Elementary School, we worked with the Sheboygan Falls School District since the night of the incident. They are prepared to offer extra staff and counsellors starting Monday morning. We encourage parents of the district to speak with their children and ensure their mental health.

“On behalf of the City of Sheboygan Falls and its residents, we offer condolences and prayers to the family of Oliver Hitchcock. This tragedy is not anything any family should have to endure.

“We are taking steps to ensure the mental health of our first responders and officers and thank the community for their support over the past several days.”

The investigation is ongoing.