Charlotte, North Carolina – Prosecutors in North Carolina say they are considering murder charges in a deeply disturbing child abuse case involving a 6-year-old girl who allegedly endured months of extreme neglect and physical abuse before her death in December.
Incident overview
Authorities say Dominique Moody, 6, died on the morning of December 16 after first responders were called to a home on Gwynne Hill Road in west Charlotte for a report of a child not breathing. Court records and police affidavits describe conditions investigators called among the most severe they have encountered.
Dominique weighed just 27 pounds at the time of her death, according to charging documents.
Suspects and current charges
Three women who lived in the home have now been arrested in connection with the case:
- Susan Robinson, 61, arrested last week
- Tonya McKnight, 51, arrested Monday
- Tery’n McKnight, 22, arrested on Christmas Eve
All three face one count of intentional child abuse resulting in serious physical injury and four counts of misdemeanor child abuse, according to records from the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office.
During a recent court hearing, a judge ordered Tery’n McKnight to remain jailed without bond. Prosecutors told the court they are reviewing the case for possible murder charges, signaling that additional and more serious counts could still be filed.
Allegations detailed in court records
According to affidavits, Dominique showed extensive signs of abuse and neglect.
Police wrote that the child’s hair, nails, and body were dirty, and that she had open wounds and scars in various stages of healing covering most of her body.
Investigators allege Tonya McKnight duct-taped the child and wrapped her in plastic, with some of the abuse allegedly captured in cellphone images. She is also accused of starving Dominique for more than a year as punishment, including for eating food in a home that reportedly had plenty available.
Forced confinement and prolonged neglect
One affidavit states that Dominique was forced to stay in a dog crate in the living room and, at times, made to sleep on a feces-covered bathroom floor.
Investigators allege the child was routinely left in soiled diapers for days, causing severe rashes and infections. The abuse and neglect reportedly occurred over approximately 18 months.
Role of the other defendants
Much of the information in the charging documents is attributed to statements linked to Susan Robinson, according to investigators.
Both Robinson and Tery’n McKnight — who is Tonya McKnight’s daughter — are accused of failing to take action to stop the abuse, despite allegedly being aware of what was happening in the home.
Authorities say seven people lived at the residence, including four other children ages 5, 4, 2, and 1. Officials have not yet released details about the condition or current placement of those children.
Conditions inside the home
Police describe the residence as unsanitary and unsafe, alleging:
- Infestations of rats and cockroaches
- Children reportedly being bitten by rats
- No consistent heat in the home during winter
According to investigators, the only heat sources were an oven and space heaters. One heater was positioned on a concrete block, aimed toward a cot in the living room.
Court records state the overnight low temperature dropped to 20 degrees during the period in question.
Medical findings
A post-death examination revealed additional injuries, including:
- A healed ligature mark around Dominique’s ankle
- Multiple healed scars on her arms and legs
- An open wound on her ankle consistent with a burn
- Older, healed fractures, including to her pinky toe
- Multiple rib fractures on both sides of her body
“The victim was extremely small,” one affidavit notes, describing a pattern of long-term trauma rather than a single incident.
Aftermath and ongoing investigation
Police say Robinson and Tonya McKnight allegedly exchanged messages after Dominique’s death acknowledging they were “in trouble” and discussing cleaning the home, according to a separate affidavit.
Robinson is scheduled to appear in court again on January 9. Prosecutors have not announced a timeline for any upgraded charges but confirmed the investigation is ongoing.
Conclusion
As the case moves forward, prosecutors say they are continuing to review evidence that could elevate the charges against the three defendants. Dominique Moody’s death has drawn renewed scrutiny to child welfare oversight and the responsibilities of adults living in a household where abuse is occurring.
Anyone with information relevant to the case is urged to contact local authorities. Share your thoughts or reactions in the comments below.
