A horrifying act of domestic violence shocked a Brick Township neighborhood earlier this month when police say a 20-year-old woman attacked her own baby brother in their family residence.

Authorities allege that Marlene Rodriguez stabbed her two-year-old sibling in the chest on Nov. 1 while influenced by hallucinations and disturbing thoughts of human sacrifice, leaving the child seriously wounded but alive, as the New York Post reports.

The incident took place at a home along Burke Avenue in Brick Township, New Jersey, around 2:30 p.m. Police were called to the scene after the child’s mother discovered her son gravely injured in his bedroom. First responders found the boy conscious and responsive despite suffering severe stab wounds.

According to court records, the toddler had a punctured lung and damage to the wall of his heart. He was rushed to Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, where he remains in stable condition with doctors monitoring his recovery closely.

Investigators later identified the suspect as Marlene Rodriguez, the victim’s older sister. At the time of the incident, Rodriguez was living in the same residence with the rest of the family. She was arrested at the scene without incident, police said.

Unsettling Obsession With Human Sacrifice Noted

Details obtained from a probable cause affidavit and court filings indicate that Rodriguez may have been consumed with morbid and violent thoughts before the stabbing. A cousin who spoke with detectives said Rodriguez brought up the topic of ritual killings shortly before the stabbing took place.

According to the cousin, Rodriguez asked if they had “ever sacrificed anyone,” a question that left the relative uncomfortable. This disturbing inquiry became a crucial piece of evidence connecting Rodriguez’s mindset to the violent act carried out that day.

Once inside the child’s room, their mother found him bleeding on the floor with a knife beside him. The traumatizing scene was further compounded by Rodriguez’s behavior, which, according to law enforcement, may have been influenced by hallucinations or auditory delusions.

Rodriguez Claims Mental Breakdown at Station

After being taken into custody, Rodriguez was transported to the police station for questioning. Authorities say she was informed of her Miranda rights twice before any statement was taken. She eventually admitted to carrying out the stabbing.

During the interview, she allegedly stated that she remembered committing the act. She also informed law enforcement that she was hearing multiple voices and may have been experiencing hallucinations when she stabbed the boy.

At one point, Rodriguez responded in Spanish in a way that officers took to mean that a third party was advising her to stay quiet to avoid legal consequences. Detectives ended the interview shortly after, out of concern for her mental state and legal rights.

Police Continue to Probe Suspect’s Mental Health

Rodriguez has been charged and is being held at Ocean County Jail. Prosecutors have not announced whether they will seek a psychiatric evaluation or if an insanity defense might be pursued in the case.

The disturbing nature of the attack, combined with Rodriguez’s apparent mental distress, has raised serious concerns about the intersection of mental health and violence within private homes. Court proceedings are expected to delve deeply into Rodriguez’s mental competency to determine appropriate legal steps.

As of now, the child continues to recover, and police have not released further details about his long-term prognosis. The community, meanwhile, continues to grapple with the emotional shock left in the wake of the attack.

Lessons to Learn

1. Stay alert to warning signs of mental distress: Friends and family members who notice alarming or erratic behavior should consider encouraging loved ones to seek mental health care. Dangerous actions can sometimes be preceded by unusual conversations or fixations -- like Rodriguez's disturbing mentions of “sacrifice.”

2. Secure dangerous items in the home: Especially in households with vulnerable individuals, it’s crucial to lock away sharp objects and tools that could be used to cause harm. While not all incidents can be foreseen, reducing access to weapons is an essential precaution.

3. Be proactive, not reactive, when it comes to safety: If something feels wrong, such as an unsettling question or behavior, seek help from mental health professionals or law enforcement before something happens. Still, it’s important to emphasize that crime can occur no matter how prepared one is -- victims are never to blame.

Why This Story Matters

This tragedy highlights the devastating outcomes that can stem from untreated or unrecognized mental health issues. It reminds communities to pay close attention to the emotional well-being of all household members.

More importantly, it underscores the need for accessible and prompt mental health interventions before violence erupts.