Sandy Springs, Georgia – A Georgia woman accused of stabbing her 11-year-old daughter to death and arranging her body in a recliner inside their home is now facing a grand jury after disturbing new details emerged during a court hearing this week, including apology texts allegedly sent to family members moments before police arrived.
Incident Overview
Shannen Grimes has been charged with murder, felony murder, cruelty to children, tampering with evidence, and possession of a knife during the commission of a felony in connection with the death of her daughter, Genesis, according to Sandy Springs police. Officers responded to Grimes’ home on November 14 after her sister placed a 911 call reporting that Grimes had attempted to take her own life.
When police entered the residence, they discovered Genesis deceased in the living room, described by investigators as “cleaned and positioned” in a recliner, covered with a blanket and surrounded by religious materials.
Texts Sent Before Police Arrival
During a Wednesday court hearing, Sandy Springs Police Detective Isaiah Tomlin testified about text messages allegedly sent by Grimes shortly before law enforcement arrived. According to courtroom reporting by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Grimes’ sister received a message at 10:46 a.m. that suggested Genesis had already been killed.
One of the texts read:
“Nothing you can do now. Sorry guys, I tried to clean up some.”
Other messages referenced fear that Genesis was in danger, including statements suggesting Grimes believed she was protecting her daughter from harm.
Family Visit and Growing Paranoia
Detective Tomlin testified that the day before the killing, Grimes had traveled to New Jersey to visit her ailing father. During that visit, her father allegedly made comments that deeply unsettled her. According to police testimony, the conversation led Grimes to believe that she and her daughter were in danger and that someone might try to harm them to gain access to her father’s financial resources.
Grimes’ mother later told investigators that the conversation left her daughter feeling “fearful and paranoid.”
One text message presented in court reportedly stated:
“If they are harming girls, they cannot have Gen.”
Another described Genesis as:
“My beautiful, talented angel [who] can sing her whistle tone in heaven.”
Scene Inside the Home
Police testified that when officers arrived at the Sandy Springs residence, they found Genesis with four stab wounds, along with defensive injuries to her hands, indicating she attempted to protect herself. Blood was discovered in multiple areas of the home, with a significant amount found in Grimes’ bedroom.
Grimes was found nearby, lying on a couch and bleeding from a cut to her wrist. According to Detective Tomlin, as officers tried to determine what had happened, Grimes made a chilling statement.
“I happened,” she reportedly told officers when asked about Genesis.
Statements to Police After Hospitalization
Grimes was transported to a hospital for medical treatment before being booked into the Fulton County Jail. After her release from the hospital, detectives interviewed her. Tomlin testified that Grimes told investigators she believed that if she killed herself, she and Genesis would both wake up, as if the events were a nightmare.
“She believed that if she killed herself, that she and Genesis would both wake up, basically, like a bad dream,” Tomlin told the court.
Grimes also reportedly told police:
“I never intended to kill my daughter.”
Court Ruling and What Happens Next
Grimes did not appear in person at the hearing. After reviewing the testimony and evidence presented, Judge Todd Ashley ruled that the case will proceed to a grand jury, allowing prosecutors to formally seek indictments on the charges.
Grimes remains in custody at the Fulton County Jail as the legal process moves forward.
Broader Context
The case has drawn attention to the complex intersection of mental health crises, family dynamics, and violent crime. Authorities have not publicly confirmed whether a mental health evaluation will play a role in future proceedings, but testimony highlighted Grimes’ reported paranoia and fear in the days leading up to Genesis’ death.
As the investigation continues, officials have not released additional details about potential motives beyond those discussed in court.
Conclusion
The death of 11-year-old Genesis has shaken the Sandy Springs community, with court testimony revealing a deeply troubling sequence of events that unfolded inside what was meant to be a place of safety. Prosecutors will now present the case to a grand jury, where the next phase of legal accountability will begin.
If you or someone you know is struggling with severe emotional distress or thoughts of self-harm, local crisis resources and emergency services can provide immediate support.
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