Charlotte, North Carolina, December 23, 2025
In Charlotte, North Carolina, two women have been arrested in connection with the death of a 6-year-old girl, Dominique Moody. Authorities allege that the child endured horrific living conditions, including being kept in a dog crate and suffering severe physical abuse. The legal guardian and mother face multiple charges, including felony child abuse. Both women have been denied bond, and the community is reeling from the shocking details of this case.
Charlotte
Charlotte, North Carolina – Two women, including the legal guardian and the mother, have been arrested and charged in connection with the tragic death of a 6-year-old girl in east Charlotte, with disturbing details emerging about the conditions the child endured. The victim, identified as Dominique Moody, reportedly weighed only 27 pounds at the time of her death last week. Both individuals face serious child abuse charges following an ongoing investigation into the child’s living situation.
Arrests and Charges
Authorities arrested Susan Robinson, 61, the child’s legal guardian, on Saturday, December 20, 2025. She faces one count of felony intentional child abuse resulting in serious physical injury and four counts of misdemeanor child abuse. On Monday, December 22, 2025, Tonya McKnight, 51, identified as Dominique Moody’s mother, was also arrested and charged with the same offenses. Both women were denied bond during their respective court appearances. Robinson appeared in court on Monday, December 22, 2025, while McKnight’s court date is scheduled for Tuesday, December 23, 2025.
Horrific Living Conditions Revealed
Court records have unveiled a grim picture of the conditions inside the Gwynne Hill Road home where Dominique resided with Robinson and four other children, aged between 1 and 6 years. Investigators allege that Dominique Moody was forced to live in a dog crate and was at times bound with duct tape. The child suffered from a severe rash on her genitals and buttocks due to prolonged exposure to urine and feces-filled diapers. Additional injuries documented include broken bones, healed ligature scars, and burns.
The residence itself was described as “unkempt,” with human and animal feces present in every room, lacking a centralized heating source, and infested with rats and cockroaches that caused bites and harm to the occupants. These conditions led to the home being referred to as a “house of horrors”. Authorities state that Robinson was aware the child was allegedly being taped, restrained, and denied food, yet she reportedly took no action to intervene. Furthermore, when Dominique was found unresponsive, Robinson allegedly refused to assist, call 911, or report the abuse and neglect.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Response
The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) initiated a death investigation into the juvenile’s death in east Charlotte on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, though the victim’s age was not initially released. The investigation intensified as more details emerged, leading to the recent arrests. Neighbors expressed shock upon learning of the police activity and the circumstances surrounding the child’s death. One neighbor recalled seeing emergency personnel carrying a little girl, initially believing she was simply ill.
Given that Susan Robinson was a court-appointed legal guardian, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has issued a statement expressing sorrow for the tragic loss and confirmed they are looking into the situation. The NCDHHS works in conjunction with county child welfare agencies in cases involving child fatalities when children have received services.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary news event?
Two women, including the legal guardian and the mother, have been arrested and charged in connection with the tragic death of a 6-year-old girl in east Charlotte.
Who is the victim in this case?
The victim is identified as Dominique Moody, a 6-year-old girl.
Who has been arrested in connection with Dominique Moody’s death?
Susan Robinson, 61, the child’s legal guardian, and Tonya McKnight, 51, Dominique Moody’s mother, have both been arrested.
What charges do Susan Robinson and Tonya McKnight face?
Both women face one count of felony intentional child abuse resulting in serious physical injury and four counts of misdemeanor child abuse.
What were the alleged living conditions for the child?
Dominique Moody was allegedly forced to live in a dog crate, bound in duct tape, and suffered severe injuries including a rash from prolonged exposure to urine and feces-filled diapers, broken bones, healed ligature scars, and burns. The home was described as “unkempt,” with human and animal feces in every room, no centralized heating, and infested with rats and cockroaches that caused bites.
When were the arrests made?
Susan Robinson was arrested on Saturday, December 20, 2025. Tonya McKnight was arrested on Monday, December 22, 2025.
What is the status of their bond?
Both Susan Robinson and Tonya McKnight were denied bond.
Key Details of the Child Abuse Case
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Location of Incident | East Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Victim | Dominique Moody, 6-year-old girl |
| Individuals Charged | Susan Robinson (61, legal guardian), Tonya McKnight (51, mother) |
| Charges | Felony intentional child abuse resulting in serious physical injury, four counts of misdemeanor child abuse |
| Alleged Living Conditions | Forced into dog crate, bound with duct tape, severe rash from prolonged exposure to waste, broken bones, healed ligature scars, burns, home infested with rats and cockroaches, unsanitary conditions |
| Arrest Dates | Robinson: December 20, 2025; McKnight: December 22, 2025 |
| Bond Status | Both denied bond |
| Legal Guardian Status | Susan Robinson was a court-appointed legal guardian for Dominique and four other children (aged 1-6) |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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