A man who allegedly stabbed a three-year-old girl to death at her own birthday party in a rampage that also wounded eight others will face the death penalty.
Timmy Kinner began attacking children and adults at the outdoor birthday party on June 30, after being asked to leave the Boise apartment complex the day before, according to police.
Ruya Kadir was stabbed with a large knife and died as other children scattered, some hiding in cupboards as adults at the Disney princess-themed party tried to protect them.
Not guilty pleas were entered on the homeless man’s behalf after he was charged with first-degree murder and eight counts of aggravated battery.
Ada County Prosecutor Jan Bennetts said Kinner could be put to death if convicted.
"After careful consideration, we have concluded that pursuing the death penalty is appropriate in this case," Bennetts said in a statement.
Kinner's lawyers, from the Ada County Public Defender's Office, have refused to comment.
Police have said Kinner didn't know any of the victims, who were all refugees from Ethiopia, Syria and Iraq.
The attack is not being considered a hate crime.
Five of Ruya's young friends were also badly injured in the attack, along with three adults.
Police say Kinner had been asked to leave the apartment complex because of bad behaviour.
He was arrested shortly after the stabbing.
Investigators recovered the knife he was believed to have used in a nearby canal.
