North Carolina woman arrested for allegedly beating 8-year-old granddaughter to death, had been previously reported for child abuse

Police arrested Patricia Ann Ricks, 72, of Nashville, North Carolina, and charged her in the beating death of her 8-year-old granddaughter.

Police said that they were called by a juvenile at the home of Ricks on Dutchman Road to inform them that she was going to the hospital with Christal Lane, her granddaughter.

The girl died before they arrived at the hospital, police said, and investigators determined that she had died from severe blunt force trauma.

"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," a news release from the Nash County Sheriff's Office said. "The child had severe injuries throughout her entire body and head."

Nash County Sheriff's Office Capt. Robert Bowen told reporters at a media briefing that police found weapons at the home but refused to elaborate on the details.

"Some weapons or items were used as weapons at the residence," he said.

The girl had four siblings who were living at the Ricks residence, and they were placed into custody of Nash County Social Services Department after the incident.

Police also confirmed that Ricks had been previously referred to the Nash County Department of Social Services for accusations of child abuse just weeks before the death of the child.

"There was a referral to determine if there was abuse in the home," said Captain Jeff Sherrod of the Nash County Sheriff's Office.

Ricks was charged with first-degree murder and felony child abuse. She was booked into the Nash County Detention Center without bond. She appeared in court on Feb. 9.

Bowen said the incident was still under investigation as police try to determine a motive for the killing.

Here's a local news report about the incident:

NC: Grandmother charged with murder of 8-year-old granddaughterwww.youtube.com

Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!