MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Police have arrested a woman in connection with the stabbing death of a 10-year-old girl at an apartment complex in Raleigh.
Police say Lawrencia Reed, 29, stabbed her 10-year-old daughter and 18-year-old sister at the Huntington Hills Apartments on Coach Drive near James Road Friday night.
The 10-year-old girl later died from her injuries. Police say the 18-year-old is in critical condition.
People who live in the Huntington Hills Apartments describe what they could hear and see late Friday night.
“I looked to my right and all I could see was a baby running and she just collapsed in the middle of the street,” one woman said. “It hurt my heart so bad. I cried for that baby last night.”
The day after, a neighbor, who did not want to go on camera is still wrestling with that heartache that won’t go away. Understandably, she was shocked Friday night watching the aftermath of the deadly attack.
She adds, because things were so chaotic, she didn’t realize until later, Reed’s 18-year old sister was also stabbed and left fighting for her life.
“Lord rest that baby’s soul, and her sister. And she tried to kill the little baby. She tried to drown the little baby in the tub with her,” the woman said.
This tragedy further compounded because there was yet another child who may have witnessed all of it.
“Her oldest son got away. He ran. That baby ran,” the woman said.
As people in the community are struggling to understand what would lead a mother to allegedly stabbed to death her own child. Some neighbors say they have an idea, after overhearing a disturbing conversation.
“She told the lady, the devil told her to do it. The devil told her to kill her kids,” a neighbor said.
The neighbor goes on to say, although she as a mother of two herself was crying for those hurt, she noticed Reed showed no emotion after she was taken into custody.
“She looked like she was out of it. When they put her in the back of the police car she just collapsed on the seat. She didn’t sit up, she just collapsed on the seat,” the neighbor said.
At last check the mugshot for Lawrencia Reed was unavailable, as police say she is ‘being evaluated.’
According to police, Reed has been charged with first degree murder and three counts of attempted first degree murder.
No word just yet on when she is expected to face a judge.