The family of an 11-year-old boy from Perth Amboy who was allegedly stabbed by another 11-year-old after school says they want answers as to how this happened.

Smailyn Jimenez remains hospitalized at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital where he had surgery.

Officials say that the boys had gotten into a dispute earlier in the day. They say that shortly after school dismissal, a sixth grader stabbed Jimenez, who is in fifth grade, with a household knife. Both boys are 11 years old.

Smailyn Jimenez’s father, Juan Jimenez, says that even though his son is making progress, doctors say that it could take about three years for him to recover. He says his son was stabbed twice in the abdomen and that one of the veins leading to his heart was damaged.

Juan Jimenez says that the attack was unprovoked and that his son was followed home. The attack allegedly happened about two blocks from the Jimenez home. Juan Jimenez says that the boy accused in the stabbing was also with a seventh grade student.

The Perth Amboy Mayor’s Office says that a parent saw the injured boy and flagged down first responders to take Smailyn Jimenez to the hospital.

The sixth grade boy was taken into custody and charged with juvenile delinquency due to his age. The mayor’s office says that if the boy was an adult, he could have been charged with attempted murder and aggravated assault, among other charges.

The Jimenez family is now demanding justice and wants to see the seventh grade boy also be held accountable.

The Board of Education's attorney issued a statement on behalf of the school district, saying, “As a school community, we are devastated by this senseless act of violence. The school administration has reached out to the family to provide support.”

Perth Amboy Mayor Helmin Caba wrote in a letter posted on Facebook stating, “I want to state that in the City of Perth Amboy, we do not tolerate violence against any community member, especially a minor.”

Juan Jimenez says that Smailyn’s mother is in the Dominican Republic, and they will be seeking a humanitarian visa so she can come here for his recovery.