CHARLOTTE — A second arrest has been made in connection with the death of 6-year-old Dominique Moody.
Moody tragically died last week, weighing just 27 pounds while under the care of her legal guardian, Susan Robinson, who is now in custody without bond.
Investigators revealed that Dominique was allegedly kept in a dog crate and bound in duct tape, raising serious questions about the conditions she endured.
The police stated that her guardian, Robinson, “refused to assist, call 911, or report abuse and neglect” when Dominique was found unresponsive.
Moody was found to weigh significantly below the average for her age, which is typically around 45 pounds.
The home where she was being kept has been referred to as a “house of horrors,” where police reported the child was forced into a dog crate as part of her confinement.
Witness Jacqueline Lewis, a concerned citizen and mother, expressed her heartbreak over the circumstances surrounding Dominique’s death.
“As a mother, I would never, ever do anything like that to my child, to anyone else’s child,” Lewis said, highlighting the deep emotional toll this incident has taken on the community.
Robinson was the legal guardian of Dominique and four other children, aged between 1 and 6 years.
There are allegations that Robinson stated Dominique’s mother had abused the girl for a year and a half prior to her death. Robinson is now facing charges in connection with Dominique’s treatment and death.
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services released a statement regarding the incident, saying:
“Our hearts break for the family, friends, and community impacted by the tragic death of this child. NCDHHS takes its responsibility seriously to ensure the health and well-being of children and families in North Carolina and shares a vision that every child can grow up healthy in a safe, nurturing family and community. NCDHHS works closely with county child welfare agencies when there are fatalities of children who have received services. Due to confidentiality laws, we can’t provide further information.”
On Monday, Tonya McKnight was arrested in connection with this case. McKnight is the mother of Dominique Moody.
McKnight has been charged with felony child abuse, causing serious bodily injury, and 4 counts of misdemeanor child abuse. She is expected to face a judge on Tuesday.
This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.
VIDEO: Guardian charged with child abuse after 6-year-old was found dead in east Charlotte
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