Kentucky 3-year-old Josephine Bulubenchi was playing in a room with four other children on Saturday morning when her father heard screams coming from the baby monitor.
Benjamin Bulubenchi rushed into the room, where he allegedly discovered his brother-in-law had slit the little girl’s throat. The child’s uncle, Emanuel Flutur, allegedly cut the father as well.
Josephine passed away the following day at the University of Kentucky Children’s Hospital, Dearly reported.
The Fayette County coroner ruled her death a homicide.
Flutur was arrested and charged with murder, first-degree assault, and four counts of wanton endangerment.
Clinton County Sheriff Jim Guffey said Flutur did not appear to be under the influence of drugs at the time he was taken into custody.
But now, the accused killer’s older brother, Dariu Flutur, says he suffers from a mental condition. He told WKYT:
“He has a mental condition that he suffers with since he was in the army. It’s tough for us to understand. Because of what happened.”
He said that his brother understands what he did was wrong. Dariu told the outlet:
“He did realize what he did and I know he’s sorry for what he did.”
The brother said that Flutur has been forgiven by the child’s parents and family. He told WKYT:
“I forgive him as his older brother. And my sister told me to write in my letter that she forgives him, my brother-in-law forgives him. My nieces and nephews ask about him and they forgive him.”
The Bulubenchi family has eight other children. As Dearly previously reported, a GoFundMe to raise money for Josephine’s funeral services has raised $58,000 so far.
Flutur is currently being held on $1 million bond.