Three women in Charlotte are now facing first-degree murder charges in a harrowing case involving the death of a 6-year-old girl. The charges come nearly two months after the child, Dominique Moody, was found unresponsive and ultimately pronounced dead on December 16, 2025. The women involved are Tonya McKnight, identified as the girl's grandmother; Tery’n McKnight, Tonya’s daughter; and Susan Robinson, a close family friend sometimes referred to as Tonya’s sister.
The latest development in the case was reported on February 5, with authorities stating that the three suspects had been charged with first-degree murder in Mecklenburg County Court. The murder warrants issued accuse each woman of unlawfully, willfully and feloniously killing young Dominique Moody with malice, as indicated by documents affirmed by WCNC Charlotte. All three women were scheduled to make a court appearance on Thursday, following the indictment on previous felony child abuse charges.
Dominique Moody's alleged living conditions were described as horrific. A police affidavit portrays a scene with a strong odor of feces and urine, cluttered spaces, and even rat infestations. According to the same document, the child had endured prolonged abuse, showing multiple injuries and wounds across her body. The abuse appeared to have been ongoing for around a year and a half, based on a report by QC News. Notably, conditions in the home were said to be unsanitary and lacking proper heat.
In a statement that cuts to the heart of their callous disregard, the police affidavit alleges that children in the residence described Dominique being "forced to live in a small enclosure inside the residence" and subjected to physical restraints and beatings. These details were reported by WBTV. Moreover, authorities had been alerted almost 50 times to issues at the Gwynne Hill Road residence and had received multiple reports regarding the children's welfare but found "insufficient evidence" during past investigations.
The mother of Dominique, Ikea McKnight, expressed her devastation to WCNC Charlotte, mourning the loss of her daughter whom she described as "beautiful" and "smart". "All the memories I have of my baby, I'm not going to be able to touch or feel my baby anymore," she said. Looking ahead, the court will decide if bonds are to be set for the accused, and an R24 hearing will be scheduled to determine if the state will seek the death penalty. Meanwhile, four other children from the home have been taken into protective custody by the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services.
