It never fails to surprise and deeply distress me when I learn a mother has killed (or even harmed) her own child. It goes against the literal laws of nature; we are wired to protect and nurture our young. That isn’t to say I expect it of fathers, but when harm or fatalities happen at the hands of a mother, it feels especially egregious. But in reality, it is a lot more common for mothers to harm their own children than fathers.
A 2023 study actually revealed that about 189,635 children in the US were abused by their mother, compared to 125,493 abused by their father. Additional studies indicate this is largely due to the fact that “risk factors” such as the inability to ask for help make child maltreatment that occurs at the hands of mothers far more prevalent.
Statistical evidence aside, it is still hard to comprehend what North Carolina mom Ciara Frederick was thinking when she allegedly stabbed her own infant son 10 times, Law & Crime reported.
Buncombe County jail records reviewed by the outlet state Frederick, 34, was charged with first-degree murder and assault with a deadly weapon.
After allegedly stabbing the infant until he died, Fredrick also chased a man down the home’s driveway with a “fixed blade knife.” There are no official reports she was successful in harming him.
The incident occurred at a home on Rocala Drive in Barnardsville, North Carolina, which is in the rural, mountainous western region of the state, 20 miles north of Asheville.
In an online statement, the Buncombe County Sherriff’s Office described a gruesome scene.
Officials arrived about 2 p.m. and discovered 10-month-old Enoch Chappell with multiple stab wounds, and emergency personnel rushed him to the nearest hospital, where the young boy was declared dead.
“Our hearts and thoughts are with everyone impacted by this tragedy,” Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller shared in the news release. “Members of the Barnardsville Fire Department and Buncombe County EMS did everything they could to save this child’s life, and for that we are grateful. Our hearts are broken.”
Frederick had her first court appearance on March 27, 2026.
The mother may face the death penalty or life in prison without parole after being charged with first-degree murder and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, per WLOS.
The outlet noted that Frederick’s family was present at court and “weeping” as the hearing proceeded.
“She did ask and receive court-appointed counsel. The office of the capital defender appoints counsel and they’re in Durham, so I generally assist them in finding qualified counsel in the area that can represent Ms. Frederick,” shared Sam Snead, chief public defender for Buncombe County.
He also noted that it was “inappropriate” to request bond in a case like this. Frederick’s next court appearance will take place April 16, which will be a probable cause hearing where evidence will be presented, WLOS reported.
