Grandmother charged with murdering 8-year-old granddaughter

NASHVILLE, North Carolina – A North Carolina grandmother has been charged with first-degree murder for beating her 8-year-old granddaughter.

The Nash County Sheriff’s Office said Patricia Ann Ricks, 72, is accused of beating a child so badly she was dead when she arrived at a local hospital on Tuesday. Authorities said she had injuries “to her entire body and head”.

When detectives returned to the child’s home, they found five children and one adult. According to investigators, Ricks was the guardian of all the children.

Ricks was interrogated and later charged with first-degree murder and child abuse with serious injuries. Bail not set.

According to investigators, she did not give any evidence during the interrogation.

“Detectives are not aware of the motive for this crime,” the sheriff’s office said.