Summary: Kailey Erhart, 22, has been arrested after two of her children — a 5-month-old and a 3-year-old — were allegedly stabbed to death in Mandan, North Dakota. A 1-year-old survived with serious injuries and underwent surgery; authorities have not released an updated medical status. Erhart faces nine charges, including two counts of murder; a judge set her bond at $3 million and scheduled a preliminary hearing for October 6. Local law enforcement described the crime scene as extremely traumatic for officers, and a GoFundMe has raised funds to help the family.
North Dakota Mother Accused Of Stabbing Two Young Children To Death In 'Horrific' Incident; Officers Deeply Affected
Kailey Erhart, 22, stabbed her 5-month-old and 3-year-old children to death and injured her 1-year-old: police.
Trigger warning: This story discusses suicide and violent crime. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Authorities in Mandan, North Dakota, say a 22-year-old woman has been arrested after two of her children were fatally stabbed in what officials described as a "horrific" scene that left responding officers deeply affected.
Kailey Erhart faces nine charges, including two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder and multiple counts of aggravated assault and terrorizing.
Police identified the suspect as Kailey Erhart. According to investigators, Erhart allegedly stabbed her 5-month-old and 3-year-old children to death on Thursday. A 1-year-old child survived but suffered serious injuries and underwent surgery; officials have not released an updated condition for that child.
Mandan Police Chief Jason Ziegler said the scene was likely one of the most traumatic his officers will encounter, calling the incident "extreme, tragic and heartbreaking" for the victims, their families, the community and first responders.
Local reporting indicates that earlier the same day Erhart had waved a firearm and threatened to kill herself while at home with her estranged husband and their children. The children's father, who had been planning to file for divorce, reportedly disarmed Erhart during a physical struggle over the weapon, took it apart and scattered its components. Police say Erhart bit and scratched him during that encounter.
The 1-year-old child survived the attack, but suffered serious injuries.
The children's grandmother was present in the home at the time of the killings and told investigators that Erhart chased family members out of the house with a knife shortly before the alleged slayings.
Charges, Bond And Court
Erhart faces nine criminal counts, including two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, and multiple counts of aggravated assault and terrorizing. A judge set a cash bond at $3 million, citing the extreme violence alleged and the risk to the community and victims. Formal no-contact orders bar Erhart from contacting surviving victims or family members. Her preliminary hearing and arraignment are scheduled for October 6.
Family Support And Investigation
A GoFundMe set up by the father’s mother to help the surviving child and support the family had raised more than $25,000 by Sunday night. Mandan police continue to investigate the case and have not provided further updates on the injured child's condition.
This remains an active investigation. Officials ask anyone with information to contact Mandan police. The reporting so far is based on law enforcement statements and local media accounts; court proceedings will further clarify details as the case progresses.
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