POLKTON, NC – A tragic incident unfolded just outside Polkton in Anson County when authorities discovered a six-year-old girl dead in what is believed to be a murder-attempted suicide involving her father. The Anson County Sheriff’s Office reported that the father, after an argument with the child’s mother, took their daughter and fled with a firearm.
Investigators say the father crashed his car in Wadesboro, where he allegedly shot and killed his daughter before turning the gun on himself. Although he survived the self-inflicted gunshot, he was transported to a hospital and is expected to be taken into custody upon recovery.
The incident began when the child’s mother contacted police, reporting a domestic dispute with the father. She expressed concerns after he left their home with the child and a weapon. Despite efforts to communicate with the father, he did not return as promised.
The lack of an Amber Alert complicated the search efforts because the father had legal custody of the child. This legal status prevented law enforcement from issuing an alert, as such alerts are typically reserved for abductions by non-custodial parents.
Anson County Sheriff commented on the difficulty of the case, noting the limitations they faced due to the custodial rights of the father. The tragic outcome has left the community reeling and raised questions about the processes in place for handling similar situations.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances leading up to the incident. The State Bureau of Investigation is involved, aiming to piece together the events that led to this heartbreaking outcome.
The father, who remains hospitalized, will likely face charges related to the death of his daughter. As the investigation unfolds, the community seeks answers and justice for a life cut tragically short.
This case highlights the challenges law enforcement faces when legal custodial rights intersect with potential threats to a child’s safety. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the complexities involved in family disputes and their potentially devastating consequences.