HAMILTON—The younger of the two accused of murdering a 14-year-old allegedly did the stabbing, Hamilton police said at a news conference Wednesday afternoon.

When asked which of the two male accused — aged 18 and 14 — allegedly wielded the knife, Det. Sgt. Steve Bereziuk said police believe it was the 14-year-old.

Devan Bracci-Selvey, also 14, died in hospital after he was stabbed outside Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School on Monday in Hamilton’s east end.

Bereziuk confirmed that a knife was used and that an autopsy determined Bracci-Selvey died of a stab wound. The alleged weapon was located and in police possession.

Bereziuk also confirmed that the two 16-year-olds arrested the day after the attack have been released without charge.

Police questioned the boy and girl late into Tuesday night, but determined they didn’t need to be held.

“I am satisfied at this time,” Bereziuk said.

Bereziuk also said that, other than at the scene, police have not talked to Bracci-Selvey’s mother, Shari-Ann Selvey, who witnessed the homicide. They had been scheduled to talk to her but the meeting didn’t happen. He said they are eager to talk to her. They have spoken to the victim’s father, Edward.

Bereziuk said police are investigating the possibility that bullying was a factor in the crime though they cannot confirm at this time that it was.

The 18-year-old man and 14-year-old boy are charged with first-degree murder in the case.

A fifth teen was also arrested Monday, but released unconditionally. There are no other suspects being sought.

The 14-year-old charged cannot be named under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. A publication ban also prohibits identifying the 18-year-old.

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Nicole O'Reilly is a Hamilton-based reporter covering crime and justice for the Spectator. Reach her via email: noreilly@thespec.com