Tragedy struck a quiet Texas neighborhood when a 15-year-old boy was charged with the murder of his neighbor. The young teen allegedly confessed to investigators that he wanted to experience what it was like to stab someone. The incident occurred on July 20, when Dana Magnuson, a 62-year-old school bus driver, was found dead with multiple stab wounds in the shed behind her Hockley home.
According to officials, the attack began in Magnuson’s hot tub and then escalated into her home before finally ending in the shed where her lifeless body was discovered. The brutal nature of the crime left a lasting impact on Magnuson’s loved ones, including her son Tyler Pitney, who expressed his disbelief and grief. “There was still blood everywhere — all over. To be honest, I don’t think it’s really hit me yet,” Pitney shared with Fox 26.
The identity of the suspect has not been disclosed due to his age. However, Pitney revealed that the boy was a neighbor who had regularly assisted his mother with household chores, such as tending to her lawn. Describing the suspect as an ordinary-looking kid from a seemingly decent home, Pitney expressed his shock at the heinous act committed by someone who had been a familiar presence in their lives. “She was the most loving person, the kindest, sweetest soul anyone’s ever known, and its… This person took a true angel from this world,” he lamented. Pitney and his family hope that the juvenile suspect will be charged as an adult.
Magnuson’s tragic death has left a void in the lives of those who knew her. As a dedicated school bus driver, she maintained a close relationship with her son, speaking to him every day. Additionally, she was an avid marathon runner, demonstrating her strength and determination. To cover the expenses of her funeral, one of Magnuson’s sons created a GoFundMe page, which had already raised over $1,700 by Friday. In a heartfelt message on the page, Magnuson’s son described his mother as a selfless individual who would go to great lengths to help those in need.
Currently, the teenage suspect is being held at the Harris County Juvenile Detention Center. The legal proceedings surrounding the case will determine the appropriate course of action for the young perpetrator. Meanwhile, the community mourns the loss of Dana Magnuson, a woman who touched the lives of many through her kindness and generosity.
