Dominique Moody Death Investigation
Six-year-old Dominique Moody was found unresponsive at a home on Gwynne Hill Road in Charlotte, North Carolina, on December 16, 2025, and later died, weighing only 27 pounds due to severe abuse. As of March 9, 2026, her mother, Tonya McKnight, along with Tery'n McKnight and Susan Robinson, face first-degree murder charges, with court documents detailing horrific abuse including starvation and being kept in a dog cage. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump has joined Dominique's family, highlighting multiple reports to Youth and Family Services that allegedly went unaddressed. The home where Dominique died was described by police as a 'house of horrors' infested with rats and roaches, and was destroyed by arson on Christmas Eve 2025. The family laid Dominique to rest in early February 2026, while Mecklenburg County attorneys have refused to disclose details about social services' involvement.
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5 updates
2026
5 updatesThe 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.
via WCNC
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.
via wcnc.com
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.
via wbtv.com
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.
via wcnc.com
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.
via youtube.com
2025
5 updates
2025
5 updatesPolice 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.
via wbtv.com
Tonya McKnight, Dominique Moody's mother, was arrested and charged with felony child abuse and misdemeanor child abuse.
via wsoctv.com
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.
via wsoctv.com
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.
via wcnc.com
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.
via youtube.com
2021
1 update
2021
1 updateA 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.
via wsoctv.com
2025
Story began · 2 months ago