Dominique Moody Death Investigation

Reference TimelineLast updated APR 13
SUMMARY

Six-year-old Dominique Moody was found unresponsive and later died on December 16, 2025, in Charlotte, North Carolina, weighing only 27 pounds with evidence of severe abuse. As of April 13, 2026, Kim Henderson, Director of Mecklenburg County Department of Child, Family and Adult Services, resigned in March 2026 amid ongoing investigations into the child's death. Tonya McKnight, Tery'n McKnight, and Susan Robinson face first-degree murder charges, with court documents detailing horrific abuse including starvation, restraint, and living in squalid conditions. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump joined Dominique's mother, highlighting multiple reports to Youth and Family Services prior to her death.

Timeline

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April 2026 — 1 developments

  1. Kim Henderson, Director of Mecklenburg County Department of Child, Family and Adult Services, resign…

    Kim Henderson, Director of Mecklenburg County Department of Child, Family and Adult Services, resigned in March 2026 amid ongoing investigations into the death of 6-year-old Dominique Moody. The child was found unresponsive on December 16, 2025, weighing only 27 pounds, with evidence of severe abuse and neglect.

March 2026 — 1 developments

  1. The mother of 6-year-old Dominique Moody is speaking out, questioning system failures that she believes led to her daughter's death due to severe abuse.

    The mother of 6-year-old Dominique Moody is speaking out, questioning system failures that she believes led to her daughter's death due to severe abuse. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump joined the family, highlighting multiple reports to Youth and Family Services. Dominique was found dead weighing only 27 pounds, having allegedly been kept in a dog cage and tied with duct tape.

February 2026 — 1 developments

  1. The three women, Tonya McKnight, Tery'n McKnight, and Susan Robinson, appeared in court for their first appearance on the murder charges.

    The three women, Tonya McKnight, Tery'n McKnight, and Susan Robinson, appeared in court for their first appearance on the murder charges. Their defense attorneys were appointed, and Tonya McKnight's attorney stated they could not represent her due to the capital nature of the case.

January 2026 — 3 developments

  1. Dominique Moody's family laid her to rest in early February.

    Dominique Moody's family laid her to rest in early February. Mecklenburg County attorneys refused to disclose details about social services' involvement at the home before the child's death, citing ongoing criminal cases.

  2. Prosecutors upgraded the charges against Tonya McKnight, Tery'n McKnight, and Susan Robinson to first-degree murder.

    Prosecutors upgraded the charges against Tonya McKnight, Tery'n McKnight, and Susan Robinson to first-degree murder. Court documents detailed horrific abuse, including starvation, restraint, burns, broken bones, and living in squalid conditions.

  3. The YouTube channel Grizzly True Crime released a video detailing the evidence against Tonya McKnigh…

    The YouTube channel Grizzly True Crime released a video detailing the evidence against Tonya McKnight, Tery'n McKnight, and Susan Robinson, who were facing child abuse charges, with murder charges being considered.

December 2025 — 4 developments

  1. Police revealed that the home where Dominique died was infested with rats and roaches, and contained human and animal feces.

    Police revealed that the home where Dominique died was infested with rats and roaches, and contained human and animal feces. Arson investigators determined that a fire on Christmas Eve that destroyed the home was arson.

  2. Tonya McKnight, Dominique Moody's mother, was arrested and charged with felony child abuse and misdemeanor child abuse.

    Tonya McKnight, Dominique Moody's mother, was arrested and charged with felony child abuse and misdemeanor child abuse.

  3. Susan Robinson, Dominique's legal guardian, was arrested and charged in connection with the child's death.

    Susan Robinson, Dominique's legal guardian, was arrested and charged in connection with the child's death. Police described the home as a 'house of horrors' where Dominique was allegedly kept in a dog crate and bound with duct tape.

  4. Dominique Moody, 6, was found unresponsive at a home on Gwynne Hill Road in Charlotte, North Carolina.

    Dominique Moody, 6, was found unresponsive at a home on Gwynne Hill Road in Charlotte, North Carolina. She was pronounced dead at the hospital later that day. Investigators later determined she weighed only 27 pounds, indicating severe malnutrition and long-term abuse.

September 2025 — 1 developments

  1. The dog crate that Dominique Moody was allegedly forced to stay in broke.

    The dog crate that Dominique Moody was allegedly forced to stay in broke. The alleged abuse had been occurring for approximately a year and a half.

January 2021 — 1 developments

  1. A court awarded custody of 6-year-old Dominique Moody to her aunt, Tonya McKnight, due to concerns about her mother's ability to care for her.

    A court awarded custody of 6-year-old Dominique Moody to her aunt, Tonya McKnight, due to concerns about her mother's ability to care for her. Court records at the time did not mention the unsanitary and hazardous conditions present in McKnight's home.