4 children fatally stabbed in Memphis; mother in custody

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – Authorities  say the mother of four children found fatally stabbed has been charged with first-degree murder.

Shanynthia Gardner of Memphis faces four counts of first degree murder while committing aggravated child neglect; four counts of first degree murder while committing aggravated child abuse; four counts of aggravated child neglect or endangerment; and four counts of aggravated child abuse.

Shelby County Sheriff Bill Oldham says the victims were a 4-year-old boy; a 3-year-old girl; a 2-year-old girl; and a 6-month-old girl.

A 7-year-old boy escaped the attack. All five children were Gardner’s.

Deputies were called to an apartment complex in unincorporated Shelby County shortly before 1 p.m. Friday. They took Gardner into custody after finding the children’s bodies.

*Photo via WREG