CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Court records describe a 6-year-old forced to live in a dog crate, weighing 27 pounds and with severe injuries when the child was found dead in a West Charlotte home.
Susan Robinson, 61, and Tonya McKnight, 51, were arrested in connection with the case after the child was found over the weekend at a home off Gwynne Hill Road, according to arrest warrants and court documents filed in Mecklenburg County.
Robinson’s niece, Tery’n McKnight, 22, was arrested Wednesday afternoon, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said.
Investigators say the child suffered severe abuse over an extended period of time. Court records allege the child had multiple rashes on the genital area and buttocks caused by prolonged exposure to both human and animal feces. Authorities also documented broken bones, healed ligature marks and burns.
According to investigators, Robinson and Tonya McKnight knew the child was being taped, restrained and denied food but failed to intervene. Robinson told police she witnessed the child being punished for stealing food, records state.
Investigators say four other children were also living in the home.
Spectrum News 1 crews who visited the property observed visible damage to the home, trash scattered across the yard and children’s toys outside. Mail overflowed from the mailbox, and several vehicles were parked on the property. Neighbors declined to speak on camera, though one told reporters he frequently heard a child crying but did not personally know the residents.
Robinson, Tonya McKnight and Tery’n McKnight are each charged with one count of felony child abuse resulting in serious physical injury and four counts of misdemeanor child abuse, police said. Court records show Tonya McKnight was issued a $2 million secured bond.
The investigation is ongoing.
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Jordan Kudisch
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