Charlotte, North Carolina, February 13, 2026
In Charlotte, North Carolina, three women face first-degree murder charges connected to the tragic death of six-year-old Dominique Moody. The case highlights severe systemic failures in child protective services as disturbing allegations of abuse and neglect emerged. Dominique was found unresponsive and extremely underweight, leading to calls from the community for accountability and urgent reform in child welfare mechanisms. Family members demand justice, stating that ‘the village failed’ to protect the young girl from her horrific situation.
Charlotte: Murder Charges Filed in Tragic Child Abuse Case Amid Outcry for Systemic Change
Charlotte, North Carolina – Three women are now facing first-degree murder charges in connection with the tragic death of six-year-old Dominique Moody, whose case has ignited urgent calls for systemic reform in child protective services and law enforcement oversight. The charges were upgraded on February 4, 2026, nearly two months after the young girl’s death on December 16, 2025, which investigators attribute to months of alleged abuse and neglect. Family members and community advocates continue to demand accountability, echoing the somber sentiment that “the village failed” Dominique Moody.
Escalation of Charges and Details of Alleged Abuse
The three individuals charged are Tanya Mcnite, who was Dominique Moody’s legal guardian, along with Susan Robinson and Taran Mcnite. They had initially faced child abuse charges, but prosecutors elevated these to first-degree murder based on further investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death. Tanya Mcnite was notably given no bond during a recent court appearance.
Investigators have detailed a horrific pattern of abuse and neglect that Dominique Moody allegedly endured for an extended period. Authorities reported that the child was found unresponsive at an East Charlotte home on December 16, 2025. She later died at the hospital. At the time of her death, Dominique Moody weighed only 27 pounds, which is significantly below the minimum acceptable weight for a child her age, suggesting severe malnourishment. Her body reportedly bore evidence of both old and new scars and injuries, including several broken bones. Conditions inside the home were described as deplorable, infested with rats and roaches, and filled with human waste. Other children living in the home reportedly told police that Dominique Moody was forced to sleep in a dog crate in the living room, was duct-taped, beaten with a belt for allegedly stealing food, and made to sit in soiled diapers for days as punishment.
Unanswered Questions and Calls for Accountability
The case has brought to light alarming questions about the effectiveness of existing child protection mechanisms. Records reveal that the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services (DSS) had opened five investigations concerning Dominique Moody’s home in the years leading up to her death. However, each of these investigations was reportedly closed by the agency, which cited insufficient evidence to substantiate abuse and neglect.
Furthermore, Charlotte police had been called to the residence nearly 50 times since 2020 for a variety of incidents, including domestic disturbances, custody escorts, assaults, and at least three instances of family members requesting wellness checks due to concerns for the children’s well-being. Dominique Moody’s biological mother, Akia Mcnite, has publicly stated her desire for justice, emphasizing that no other child should have to endure such suffering within the system. A distant relative, Jay Vernon Peterson, who operates Unity Funeral Services, has become an outspoken advocate for Dominique Moody, stating that the system “has blood on its hand” for its failures.
The ongoing legal proceedings are expected to continue to uncover more details about the case and the broader implications for child welfare policies and practices. This tragic event underscores the critical need for a robust and responsive system to protect vulnerable children and prevent future fatalities due to abuse and neglect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the latest development in the Charlotte child abuse case?
The latest development is that three women, Tanya Mcnite, Susan Robinson, and Taran Mcnite, are now facing first-degree murder charges in connection with the tragic death of six-year-old Dominique Moody. The charges were upgraded on February 4, 2026.
When did Dominique Moody die?
Dominique Moody died on December 16, 2025.
What were the conditions Dominique Moody allegedly endured?
Dominique Moody allegedly endured months of abuse, including being forced to live in a dog crate, duct-taped, beaten, withheld food, and living in unsanitary conditions with rats, roaches, and human waste. She was found underweight at 27 pounds and had multiple scars and broken bones.
What was the involvement of child protective services in this case?
The Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services (DSS) had opened five investigations concerning Dominique Moody’s home in the years prior to her death, but all were closed due to insufficient evidence.
How many times did police respond to the home?
Charlotte police were called to the residence nearly 50 times since 2020 for various incidents, including wellness checks requested by family members.
What are family members and advocates calling for?
Family members and advocates are calling for justice for Dominique Moody and systemic reform in child protective services, asserting that “the village failed” her and that the system “has blood on its hand”.
Key Features of the Charlotte Child Abuse Case
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Victim | Dominique Moody, a six-year-old girl | Local |
| Date of Death | December 16, 2025 | Local |
| Primary Accused | Tanya Mcnite (legal guardian), Susan Robinson, Taran Mcnite | Local |
| Current Charges | First-degree murder (upgraded Feb 4, 2026) | State-level (North Carolina law) |
| Alleged Abuse Details | Forced to live in a dog crate, duct-taped, beaten, withheld food, lived in unsanitary conditions, underweight, multiple injuries | Local |
| DSS Involvement | Five investigations closed prior to death due to insufficient evidence | Local |
| Police Calls | Nearly 50 calls to the residence since 2020, including wellness checks | Local |
| Public Sentiment | “The village failed”; calls for systemic change and accountability | Local / State-level |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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