Mecklenburg County, North Carolina – A court-appointed guardian in North Carolina is accused of subjecting a 6-year-old girl to prolonged abuse that investigators say led to the child’s death earlier this month. Authorities allege the girl was starved, duct-taped, confined to a dog crate, and forced to watch her caregivers eat as punishment.
Police say the victim, Dominique Moody, weighed only 27 pounds when she was taken to the hospital, where she later died.
Allegations of prolonged abuse inside the home
According to arrest affidavits, Susan Robinson, 61, had been appointed by the Department of Social Services to care for Dominique. Investigators say Robinson lived in a Mecklenburg County home with two other adults and at least five children, all of whom were under their care.
Police allege that over roughly a year and a half, Dominique was repeatedly abused as a form of punishment, including being denied food, restrained with duct tape, and forced to remain inside a dog crate. Officers say the child was also made to sit in soiled diapers for days at a time while watching others eat.
Arrests and charges filed
Robinson was arrested Saturday and charged with intentional child abuse resulting in serious physical injury along with four counts of misdemeanor child abuse. She was ordered held without bond and is scheduled to return to court on January 9, 2026.
Another adult in the household, Tonya McKnight, was arrested Tuesday and charged with felony intentional child abuse causing severe bodily injury. A judge set her bond at $2 million, and her next court appearance is scheduled for January 13, 2026.
A third adult, Tery’n McKnight, is still being sought by authorities.
Conditions described as “unkempt and inhospitable”
Court documents describe the residence as cluttered, cold, and unsanitary. Police say children in the home were living among rats and cockroaches, and that some had reportedly been bitten by rodents. According to investigators, the house lacked consistent heat, with only an oven and space heaters providing warmth.
The affidavit notes that overnight temperatures dropped to around 20 degrees, while a space heater in the living room was positioned toward a cot used by one of the children.
Evidence documented by investigators
Police say photographs recovered from a suspect’s phone allegedly show Dominique with black duct tape around her body, swollen hands and feet, and lying on the living room floor. Medical examinations revealed multiple injuries, including healed and healing fractures, scars, burns, and open wounds.
Investigators reported that Dominique had rib fractures in various stages of healing, a previously fractured toe, and visible ligature marks around her ankle. She also suffered from severe rashes consistent with prolonged exposure to soiled diapers.
Role of the court-appointed guardian questioned
According to the affidavit, Robinson allegedly admitted she had seen Dominique restrained with duct tape, left without food, and kept in soiled diapers for extended periods but failed to intervene or report the abuse.
The Department of Social Services, which appointed Robinson as guardian, has not publicly commented on the case.
Other children removed from the home
Police say four other children, ages 5, 4, 2, and 1, were living in the home at the time of the investigation. Those children have since been removed and placed into protective care.
Authorities continue to investigate whether additional charges may be filed as more evidence is reviewed.
Ongoing investigation
Law enforcement officials say the case remains active as they work to locate the remaining suspect and determine whether systemic failures contributed to the prolonged abuse.
Anyone with information related to the case is urged to contact local authorities.
Conclusion
The death of Dominique Moody has raised serious questions about oversight in court-appointed guardianship cases and the systems meant to protect vulnerable children. As court proceedings move forward, prosecutors say they will pursue accountability for what police describe as sustained and severe abuse.
If you or someone you know has concerns about child safety, report it to local authorities. Share your experiences in the comments below.
