By Jerald Jimenez
Nov 27, 2023, 3:35 PM EST
A 9-year-old girl was found dead in her home in Orange County, California, with obvious signs of violence, while her mother was arrested and listed as the main suspect in the murder.
Investigators identified the girl’s mother, Khadiyjah Pendergraph, 32, as a person of interest in her murder. She was located at a shopping center in Aliso Viejo, where she was arrested and sent to the Orange County Jail on charges. of murder.
Westminster Police said in a statement that officers responded to the home, located in the 14100 block of Goldenwest Street, around 12:04 p.m. after receiving a call from a concerned family member who requested a welfare check. When they received no response, the agents forced entry and found the girl’s body, which showed “obvious signs of trauma.”
Authorities said there are no additional suspects at this time and that the case “appears to be an isolated incident,” as upon arriving at the scene, police did not see anyone else.
“While police officers are exposed to tragedies every day, this murder is particularly disturbing, given the senseless loss of a young girl allegedly at the hands of her own mother,” said Westminster Police Chief Darin Lenyi. “Members of the WPD grieve with the victim’s family and extend our deepest condolences.”
However, detectives continue to investigate to look for more evidence and speak with additional witnesses. Police asked anyone with information to contact Detective Marcela Lopez at 714-548-3773.
The identity of the girl has not been revealed by authorities. The possible motive or circumstances of the murder have also not been reported.
With information from Fox 11