TWO toddlers in Maryland died of multiple stab wounds and two other children were hospitalised at the weekend with undisclosed injuries following an alleged exorcism at their home.
Norell Harris, one, and his sister, Zyana Harris, two, suffered fatal stab wounds while their siblings, who are five and eight, were injured.
Two women have each been charged with two counts of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted first-degree murder, Montgomery County Police said.
They are Zakieya L Avery, 28, mother of the children (pictured above) and Monifa Denise Sanford, 21.
Sanford was briefly hospitalised after the incident and was charged after she was released. Police believe she is not related to the family, but lived at the same residence in Germantown.
County Police Chief Tom Manger said:
Cases like this are heartbreaking. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victims.
Police said they found the four children Friday morning after a neighbour called 911 to report suspicious activity at the home. The neighbor reported seeing a car with a door open and a knife next to it.
Police said:
Investigators have learned that the two defendants believed that they were performing an exorcism. The investigation into this motive and other aspects of the crime continue at this point.
Hat tip: Canada Dave