Three women in east Charlotte child abuse case face first-degree murder charge after 6-year-old’s death
Charges upgraded nearly two months after Dominique Moody died
Three women accused of abusing and neglecting a 6-year-old girl in an east Charlotte home have now been charged with first-degree murder, nearly two months after the child’s death.
The upgraded charges were filed on Feb. 4, 2026, against Tery’n McKnight, Tonya McKnight and Susan Robinson in the death of Dominique Moody, who died on Dec. 16, 2025. The three were previously arrested in December and initially faced felony child abuse charges, along with multiple misdemeanor child abuse counts.
What investigators say happened on Gwynne Hill Road
Police have said officers and MEDIC were called around 7:40 a.m. on Dec. 16 to the 7600 block of Gwynne Hill Road after a report of a child not breathing. Dominique was taken to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
Court documents describe extensive injuries and alleged long-term mistreatment. Investigators reported that Dominique weighed about 27 pounds at the time of her death and had wounds and scarring in different stages of healing. Records also describe broken bones and other injuries consistent with prolonged abuse.
Allegations of confinement and restraint
Investigators allege Dominique was forced to live in a dog crate inside the home and that she was restrained with tape as a form of punishment. Court records also describe allegations that she was struck with a belt and, after the crate was damaged, made to sleep on a bathroom floor described as contaminated with feces.
Police reports further allege that at least one of the defendants acknowledged seeing neglect and abuse but did not report it or seek help. The home was also described in court filings as housing other children at the time of the investigation.
Who is charged and what is known about their roles
Tonya McKnight was identified as Dominique’s grandmother and legal guardian.
Tery’n McKnight was identified as one of Tonya McKnight’s daughters.
Susan Robinson was described as closely connected to Tonya McKnight and also lived at the residence.
All three now face first-degree murder charges. The case remains under active investigation.
Separate investigation: fire at the residence
On Dec. 26, 2025, fire crews responded to a structure fire at the same Gwynne Hill Road address. Fire officials said the fire was intentionally set, caused an estimated $65,000 in damage, and did not result in injuries.
The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Investigators have not publicly released full details about how the first-degree murder charges were developed beyond what is contained in court filings and law-enforcement updates, and no trial date information was included in the latest public updates.