Boy killed trying to protect sister from rape: report

WATCH: Police have issued a warrant for the arrest of a teen reportedly involved in the brutal death of a nine-year-old boy.

TORONTO – Relatives and neighbours are mourning a nine-year-old boy killed in Virginia Thursday after he reportedly tried to save his 11-year-old sister from being raped.

According to local news station WTVR,  the two children were playing on the railroad tracks, located near the backyard of their home, when a man allegedly attacked the siblings.

Family members say the boy was beaten to death attempting to save his sister.

Police report the surviving victim was “threatened and intimidated by the suspect” into giving an inaccurate description.

The suspect was originally described as a “white male with scraggly hair.” Investigators now say they are looking for a teenage suspect.

Police say they are currently “medically evaluating” a teen in connection with Thursday’s alleged assault and homicide.