BOISE -- A grand jury in Ada County has returned an indictment for a California man accused of stabbing a toddler to death at her own birthday party during a violent spree that sent eight other people to the hospital.
Timmy Kinner Jr. has been indicted on one count of first-degree murder, eight counts of aggravated battery, one count of burglary, two counts of aggravated assault and a deadly weapons sentencing enhancement. The charges in the indictment are identical to the ones already levied by the Ada County Prosecutor's office, with the addition of the assault and burglary counts.
Kinner is accused of killing 3-year-old Ruya Kadir and stabbing five other children attending her party, along with three adults who tried to shield the children from the attack. All of the victims were refugees from Syria, Iraq and Ethiopia.
"Five weeks ago, our community was shaken by the events of June 30, 2018," Prosecutor Jan Bennetts said in a statement. "On behalf of my entire Office, I extend my deepest condolences to Ruya's family for their unimaginable loss. Our thoughts continue to be with Ruya's family and all of the victims who are injured and their families."
Bennetts also thanked the Boise Police detectives who have "worked tirelessly" on the case and vowed to continue working towards justice.
"We know the community wants answers and those answers will come through the court proceedings in this case," she continued. "It is important that we preserve the integrity of the case and let the criminal justice process take its course to ensure Mr. Kinner receives a fair trial."
Investigators say Kinner did not know the victims, and targeted the birthday party at the Wylie Street Station apartments at random. The suspect had briefly stayed with other residents at the apartment complex, and was angry when they kicked him out, according to police.
Police say he returned to the complex with a knife to exact revenge on those people, but when he discovered they were not home, turned his attention to the children's party underway a few doors down.
Kinner was taken into custody at the scene, and officers were able to recover the large folding knife used in the attack from a nearby canal. He has been held without bond since his arrest.
If convicted of murder, Kinner will face either the death penalty or life in prison.
"A decision regarding the death penalty will be forthcoming as soon as all the statutory factors under Idaho law are fully considered," Bennetts said. "My office will continue to focus on the work ahead in our pursuit of justice in this case."
