ALISO VIEJO, CA – A shocking incident unfolded in Orange County, California, where a mother was taken into custody over the alleged murder of her nine-year-old daughter. The child’s lifeless body was discovered in their home last Friday, leading to the arrest of Khadiyjah Aliyyah Ali Pendergraph, 32.
The incident unfolded after a concerned family member reached out to the Westminster Police Department, prompting a welfare check at the residence located on Goldenwest St. in Westminster.
Upon their arrival, officers had to forcibly enter the home, where they were met with a horrifying scene. The young girl’s body was found, showing signs of trauma. At the time of the discovery, Pendergraph was not at the residence.
Following a search, Pendergraph was located and arrested at a shopping center in Aliso Viejo. She was subsequently booked at the Orange County Jail.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with Westminster Police Chief Darin Lenyi expressing his deep concern. He noted the particular distress caused by this case, given the alleged involvement of the child’s own mother. The investigation into this tragic incident remains ongoing.