North Carolina woman accused in beating death of 8-year-old granddaughter

NASHVILLE, N.C. — A North Carolina woman is accused of fatally beating her 8-year-old granddaughter, authorities said.

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Patricia Ann Ricks, 72, of Nashville, was arrested on Tuesday and charged with first-degree murder and felony child abuse, WRAL-TV reported.

According to a news release from the Nash County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were notified on Tuesday at about 4 p.m. EST about a juvenile that was taken to the emergency room at Nash UNC Health Care in Rocky Mount. The child was identified as Christal Lane, WRAL reported. She suffered severe injuries and was pronounced dead on arrival, the sheriff’s office said.

Investigators determined the child lived with her grandmother and other siblings, WTKR-TV reported.

“Based on the investigation, it was determined that the 8-year-old juvenile was beaten so severe by the grandmother that she died from the injuries,” the sheriff’s office stated. “The child had severe injuries throughout her entire body and head.”

Lane’s other siblings are currently in the custody of the Nash County Social Services Department. according to WRAL.

Deputies said a motive for the fatal beating is unknown, WTKR reported.

An investigation is ongoing, the sheriff’s office said.