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Woman accused of fatally stabbing 8-year-old son

Jennifer Nicole Long allegedly stabbed the boy's grandfather as well, and left the weapon in the child's chest.

MORGAN COUNTY, Ala. — UPDATE 3/18: The Associated Press reports the man stabbed in this incident was the boy's grandfather. 

The man told arriving deputies that he had been stabbed by his daughter and was concerned for the safety of his 8-year-old grandson, an investigator said in a court document. When deputies got to the home, they encountered Long coming down the stairs and found the boy in a bedroom, according to the court filing.

“While deputies were detaining Long, she advised that the little boy was dead," an investigator said in a statement to the court. “Deputies cleared the residence and located the juvenile victim lying in the bed of the master bedroom who had multiple stab wounds. Deputies observed a knife still protruding from the chest area (of the) victim's body.”

John Brinkley, an attorney appointed by the court to represent Long, declined to comment.

Court records indicate that Long's birthday was Thursday, the same day the stabbing was reported.

Our original reporting continues below:

A 41-year-old Hartselle woman is being held without bond following a stabbing incident that left her 8-year-old son dead, according to investigators. Morgan County deputies responded to Village Drive around 5:30 a.m. Thursday morning to find the boy, as well as a man, suffering from stab wounds.

The adult taken to Huntsville Hospital by helicopter for further treatment. However, the 8-year-old was declared dead at the scene.

Jennifer Nicole Long, who was confirmed to be the mother of the boy, was charged with capital murder, according to authorities.  The relationship of the adult victim to Long or the boy has not been publicly released.

Priceville police assisted Morgan County deputies in the initial investigation.

The child was confirmed to be a student in the Morgan County school system. Administrators and student resource offers were notified. Superintendent Tracie Turrentine released a statement:

"It is with great sadness that we have lost one of our students in Morgan County. The student will be remembered for the joy he brought to his friends, classmates, and teachers. 

My condolences and thoughts go out to the family at this time. 

The loss of a student can be a difficult and challenging situation that can generate a high level of anxiety and distress in students. During this time, as the school community processes this news and copes with grief, please know that support services are available to those who need them."

Priceville Elementary Principal Daniel Gullion also released a statement, saying:

Parents, Guardians and Community Members,

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the tragic loss of a 3rd grade student.  The incident happened early this morning before school began and took place off campus.  The Crisis Team will be here at school Friday, March 17th, and Monday, March 20th to support our entire 3rd grade classes, the students who ride bus #41, and any other students in need of assistance.  We are all hurting and heartbroken from this incident. Please be mindful and respectful to the family regarding any social media posts. We appreciate your prayers for the family, the students and Priceville Elementary School faculty and staff.

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