Charlotte Guardian Accused of Failing to Report Ongoing Abuse

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A Charlotte home described by police as filthy, rat-infested, and unfit for human life is now at the center of a deeply disturbing child abuse case after a 6-year-old girl was found dead and investigators uncovered what they describe as months — possibly years — of extreme neglect and abuse.

According to Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, officers responded to an emergency call just before 8 a.m. on December 16, 2025, at a home on Gwynne Hill Road, where medics were told a child was not breathing.

The child, later identified as Dominique Moody, was rushed to Novant Mint Hill Hospital — but she was pronounced dead less than two hours later.

“EXTREMELY UNKEMPT” HOME FILLED WITH FECES, RATS, AND NO HEAT

Court documents describe the residence as overrun with rats, with a strong odor of human and animal feces and urine throughout the home. Investigators say there were holes in the floors and ceilings, no central heat during freezing temperatures, and only space heaters and an oven being used to warm the house — one heater allegedly placed just feet away from a child’s cot while overnight temperatures dropped to 20 degrees.

27 POUNDS, OPEN WOUNDS, SCARS, AND SIGNS OF PROLONGED NEGLECT

Medical findings outlined in court documents paint a grim picture.

Police say Dominique weighed just 27 pounds at age six. Her body was reportedly covered in open wounds, scars, burns, broken bones, and what investigators described as injuries caused by prolonged exposure to urine- and feces-soaked diapers.

The medical examiner also noted rib fractures in various stages of healing, a healed ligature mark around her ankle, burn-like wounds, and severe injuries to her genitalia and buttocks, which authorities believe were caused by extended neglect and unsanitary conditions, not a single incident.

CHILD FORCED INTO ENCLOSURE, TAPED, AND DENIED FOOD, COURT DOC ALLEGES

Even more disturbing: investigators say other children in the home described Dominique being forced to live in a small enclosure, bound with black duct tape, and struck with a belt as punishment.

Court records allege that when Dominique was discovered not breathing, adults in the home allegedly placed her in front of a stove in an attempt to warm her up and “bring her back to life”, before later destroying and discarding a dog crate investigators believe had been used to confine her.

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Four other young children were living in the home at the time.

According to police, 61-year-old Susan Lee Robinson, one of the adults now charged, admitted she routinely cared for the children and saw Dominique daily — yet allegedly failed to report the abuse.

Investigators say Robinson’s cellphone contained images of Dominique duct-taped, with swollen hands and feet, taken weeks before her death. Police say Robinson told detectives she knew the child was being punished, denied food, and forced to sit in soiled diapers for days — but still did not call 911 or report the abuse.

As a result of the investigation, warrants were issued for:

• Tonya McKnight

• Susan Lee Robinson

• Tery’n McKnight

All are charged with four counts of misdemeanor child abuse and one count of child abuse inflicting serious mental or physical injury, according to court records.

Authorities have not yet announced whether additional charges are forthcoming. The surviving children were removed from the home, and the investigation remains active.

She remains in jail with no bond.