Patricia Ann Ricks,72, is facing charges of first-degree murder and felony child abuse, which could land her in prison for the rest of her life if she is found guilty.
These charges come after an unidentified 8-year-old girl was severely beaten at a residence on Dutchman Rd in Nashville, North Carolina.
The girl was brought to the Nash UNC Healthcare emergency room; unfortunately, there was nothing the doctors could do for her. According to police, she was pronounced dead upon arrival.
The Nash County Sheriff’s Office became aware of the incident shortly after 4:00 pm on Tuesday, Feb 7, and responded to the hospital to begin their investigation.
After finding out where the 8-year-old was living, investigators determined that the girl had been beaten severely by her Grandmother. Police say that she had severe injuries.
In a statement posted on social media, Nash County Sheriff’s office said, “Based on the investigation, it was determined that the 8-year-old juvenile was beaten so severe by the Grandmother that she died from the injuries. The child had severe injuries throughout her entire body and head.”
The Grandmother was the legal guardian of other siblings in the house, who are now in the custody of the Nash County Department of Social Services.
Ricks was arrested and booked without bond in the Nash County Detention Center but refused to make a statement.
Detectives are still searching for a motive in the case, and Ricks is due to appear in Nash County District Court. It is currently unknown if she has legal representation.