Patricia Ann Ricks, 72, is accused of first-degree murder and felony child abuse, which could result in her spending the rest of her life in prison if she is found guilty.
The incident occurred when an 8-year-old girl was brutally beaten at a residence on Dutchman Rd in Nashville, North Carolina. The girl was taken to the Nash UNC Healthcare emergency room, where she was declared dead upon arrival.
The Nash County Sheriff’s Office was alerted of the incident at 4:00 pm on Tuesday, Feb 7 and subsequently headed to the hospital to begin their investigation. After finding out that the 8-year-old was living in the home, it was discovered that she had been struck severely by her Grandmother. According to the police, the girl had suffered extensive injuries.
A statement released by the Nash County Sheriff’s office on social media read, “Based on the investigation, it was determined that the 8-year-old juvenile was beaten so severely by the Grandmother that she died from the injuries. The child had severe injuries throughout her entire body and head.”
Ricks was arrested and taken to the Nash County Detention Center without bond, but she declined to make a statement. The detectives are still trying to figure out a motive for the crime and Ricks is due to appear in Nash County District Court.
It is currently unknown if she has legal representation. The other siblings living in the home are now in the custody of the Nash County Department of Social Services.