The Murder of Dominique Moody
| Full Name | Dominique Moody |
| Date of Birth | 2019 |
| Age | 6 |
| Race / Sex | Black Female |
| Location | Charlotte, North Carolina |
| Case Type | Child Abuse Homicide |
Dominique Moody
What We Know
Dominique Moody was six years old at the time of her death. She had been living in a home on Gwynne Hill Road in Charlotte, North Carolina under the guardianship of Tonya McKnight (51). Also living in the home were Tery'n McKnight (22) and Susan Robinson (61), reported to be a relative. Other children were also present in the home.
Prior to Dominique's death, there had reportedly been multiple calls for service and prior child welfare investigations involving the residence. Local reporting later stated that dozens of law enforcement calls and several child protective service reviews had occurred in previous years. However, Dominique remained in the home.
Court affidavits and investigative documents describe a pattern of prolonged and escalating abuse. According to investigators, Dominique was allegedly forced to live inside a dog crate in the living room, was reportedly restrained and bound at times, and was denied adequate food. Other children in the home reported she was punished for attempting to eat.
Medical findings showed multiple fractures in various stages of healing, including broken ribs, visible scars, burns, and untreated wounds. She suffered from severe diaper rash consistent with prolonged neglect. When authorities later weighed her, Dominique was approximately 27 pounds, significantly underweight for a 6-year-old child. The home was described in warrants as unsanitary, with reports of animal and human waste and insect infestation.
How It Unfolded
The Investigation
Following Dominique's death, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police launched a homicide investigation. Search warrants and affidavits revealed extensive documentation of the home's condition and the injuries Dominique suffered.
Statements from other children in the home reportedly corroborated claims that she was confined and abused. The investigation also expanded to examine prior involvement by social services and previous calls for welfare checks at the residence.
Public records requests later sought information about those earlier interventions, though some records have not been released due to the active criminal case. Other children were removed from the home following Dominique's death.
The Accused
She Is Not Forgotten
Dominique Moody was six years old. She should have been in kindergarten, learning to read, playing outside, and being loved. Instead she spent her final months confined, hungry, and in pain — in a home that was supposed to keep her safe.
The system failed Dominique. Dozens of calls for service and multiple CPS investigations were not enough to get her out. We will not forget her name, and we will not stop asking why she was left there.
Dominique deserved better. Every child deserves better.
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