Authorities arrested 34-year-old Ciara Frederick on Tuesday afternoon following the fatal stabbing of her infant son at a residence in Barnardsville.
Emergency responders, including members of the Barnardsville Fire Department and Buncombe EMS, arrived at 10 Rocala Drive shortly after 2:00 p.m. following reports of a stabbing. Upon arrival, authorities located 10-month-old Enoch Chappell, who was suffering from multiple stab wounds.
First responders performed life-saving measures on the scene before the infant was transported to Mission Hospital. He was later pronounced deceased by medical staff.
Frederick has been charged with one count of First Degree Murder and two counts of Assault with a Deadly Weapon. According to court records obtained by the Charlotte Observer, one of the assault charges alleges that Frederick chased a man down the driveway of the property with a knife.
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In a statement following the incident, Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller acknowledged the efforts of the initial responders.
“Our hearts and thoughts are with everyone impacted by this tragedy,” Miller said. “Members of the Barnardsville Fire Department and Buncombe County EMS did everything they could to save this child’s life, and for that we are grateful. Our hearts are broken.”
Sheriff Miller later spoke to WLOS regarding the nature of the investigation.
“It strikes us to the core. Let me just say that. When I say it strikes us to the core, a 10-month-old deceased at the hands of the mother,” Miller stated.
Frederick remains in custody as the investigation by the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office continues.
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