North Carolina Woman Accused Of Fatally Stabbing 10-Year-Old Sister

North Carolina authorities say a 22-year-old woman is behind bars after she allegedly stabbed her 10-year-old sister to death.

Kaneijah Zyir Bradley was charged with murder after her younger sister was found in the backyard stabbed to death, per a Halifax County North Carolina Sheriff’s Office statement.

On Monday around 10:30 p.m., Halifax County deputies responded to a call of a missing 10-year-old child, PEOPLE reported.

While on the scene deputies learned that the girl’s mother found her missing daughter dead in the backyard. Investigators believe the child was stabbed inside the home but then taken to the backyard.

“Further investigation revealed that the child had been stabbed multiple times and was in fact deceased,” read the Halifax County Sheriff’s Office news release. “The motive of the incident is unclear at this time and remains under investigation.”

Bradley, who was arrested for prior assaults, was arrested and charged with murder. She is currently in the Halifax County Detention Center with no bond and has a court date set for Jan. 25.

“This is such a sad incident,” said Sheriff Tyree Davis in the news release. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.”

“It’s tragic whenever a life is cut short, especially a child,” Halifax County Sheriff’s Office Capt. Scott Hall told ABC11. “So it’s heart-wrenching. When deputies pull onto the scene and find an incident like this.” Hall continued, “It’s hard on everyone involved, including the family and all first responders.”