Authorities in North Carolina have charged three women with first-degree murder following the death of a six-year-old child who investigators say endured prolonged abuse and extreme neglect. The charges stem from the December 2025 death of Dominique Moody, whose condition at the time of her death has prompted widespread scrutiny of child welfare oversight.
Susan Robinson, 61, Tonya McKnight, 51, and Tery’n McKnight, 22, were initially arrested on child abuse charges before prosecutors upgraded the case to first-degree murder, according to reports from WBTV. A judge has denied bond for all three defendants, keeping them in custody as the case proceeds.
Investigators say Dominique weighed just 27 pounds at the time of her death, a figure authorities described as deeply concerning for a child her age. Police records show officers had responded to the residence nearly 50 times prior to the child’s death, raising questions about repeated interventions that failed to prevent the fatal outcome.
The child was living in the home under the care of Tonya McKnight, who was identified as Dominique’s legal guardian. Four other children were also residing in the house at the time. Authorities described the living conditions as severely neglected, with a strong odor of feces and urine throughout the residence.
According to police, Dominique had been confined inside a dog crate and showed signs of sustained physical abuse. Investigators documented healed ligature marks, open wounds, and evidence suggesting the abuse occurred over an extended period.
Court documents allege the child was frequently restrained with duct tape and denied food. These allegations are supported in part by text messages reviewed by investigators, which authorities say detail patterns of restraint and deprivation leading up to the child’s death.
Following the December 2025 death, investigators expanded their inquiry, leading to the arrest of all three women on child abuse charges. As evidence mounted, prosecutors escalated the case to first-degree murder, signaling their belief that the actions involved were deliberate and sustained rather than isolated.
With bond denied, the three defendants remain jailed as the case moves toward court proceedings. Authorities have not announced additional charges related to the other children found in the home, though officials say the investigation remains active.
The case has intensified calls for closer examination of repeated police responses and child welfare interventions in high-risk households. As the legal process unfolds, the outcome is expected to have significant implications for accountability in child protection cases and for how authorities respond to warning signs long before tragedy strikes.
