On Friday [July 1] authorities say four children were fatally stabbed in a gated apartment complex within the suburbs of Memphis, Tennessee, and their mother was taken into custody for questioning.
According to the Shelby County Sheriff’s office, a call was made in regard to a stabbing shortly before 1 p.m., and as of Friday night, no charges have been filed.
“This is an egregious act of evil that has shocked us to our core,” said County Sheriff Bill Oldham.”I will never understand how anyone can do this.”
Oldham also stated that the names and ages of the children and the mother will not be released until next of kin has been notified. However, it is known that all the children were under the age of six.
The father of the children was not home at the time of the and according to NBC affiliate WMC, the Department of Children Services says it has no previous record with the family.
“It’s just a very sad day,” said Oldham. “It’s really beyond words, quite frankly.”
While the investigation is in its initial phases, the sheriff also stated that there’s not yet any information on whether or not mental health issues may have stimulated the vicious act.
The district’s attorney’s special victims unit along with other resources provided by Shelby County Mayor Mark Lutrell have been brought together to provide aide during this investigation.
