Community supports family of girl killed by father in Polkton

POLKTON, N.C. — Channel 9 has learned more about the little girl who Polkton police say was shot and killed by her father before he turned the gun on himself. The father died Thursday morning.

Channel 9′s Gina Esposito explains how well-known the family was in their Anson County town.

Mianna’s death is having a major impact on the Polkton community.

The police chief says she lived down the street from the Polkton Police Department and often stopped by to say “Hello” to officers and grab a piece of candy.

Neighbor Jessica Oxendine said she could not believe she had died.

“(It) broke my heart,” Oxendine said. “I have kids, too. I’m a mom. It’s terrible. How a parent can do that do their baby?”

Oxendine says she was never concerned when she’d see Mianna playing outside with her father, Michael Roach, which is why what happened on Monday shocked her.

Polkton police say Mianna’s mother called 911 over a domestic dispute saying Roach had left the home with a gun and their daughter.

Police said on Thursday that they believe Roach shot and killed Mianna before he led deputies on a chase hours later, which ended in a crash, and Roach turning the gun on himself.

He died three days later.

“I’m glad, but part of me wished he lived so he could’ve went to prison and we could’ve gotten justice for her,” Oxendine said.

Police Chief Tim Hutchinson said their focus has been to support Mianna’s loved ones.

“There are unanswered questions that we’ll never find the answer to,” Hutchinson said.

The police chief said he stopped by her school on Thursday and has been taking countless calls from the community asking how they can help.

There’s a fundraising page, and Blakely’s Funeral & Cremation Service in Monroe will cover the girl’s funeral costs.

“It’s going to be a hard time for everybody,” Hutchinson said. “This isn’t something that happens every day.”

Anson County Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis a nonprofit that supports victims and their families.

“We are very aware of this case, and we will support this family and make all resources that we have available,” said Karen Baucom, executive director.

Baucom says they plan to honor Mianna in a vigil later this year with other victims of domestic violence.

Oxendine says she’s praying for Mianna’s mom as she navigates a tremendous loss.

“Polkton is tight-knit,” Oxendine said. “There aren’t a lot of people here. We got to rally around to support her.”

Anson County Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Center says since October, more than two dozen people have died from domestic violence situations.

They have a first responding team and a 24/hour crisis hotline to help victims in Anson County.

That number is 704-690-0362.

VIDEO: Child taken, killed by father during pursuit in Anson County, SBI says

Child taken, killed by father during pursuit in Anson County, SBI says