Two women in North Carolina have been arrested for claiming that the severe injuries and trauma suffered by two toddlers were the result of supernatural forces or paranormal activity.
Emily Marie Edwards, 25, and her mother, Sherrie Jean Edwards, 54, are facing charges of two counts each of felony child abuse causing serious bodily injury, as stated in Catawba County Jail records.
Last week, the Newton Police Department arrested the pair following allegations dating back to December 2023.
“The basic response, really, was nightmares,” Newton Police Chief Vidal Sipe told Charlotte-based ABC affiliate WSOC. “They heard the kids yelling and they’d go over there and they’d see injuries on the kids. So, they’re saying there’s spirits that were in the house at the time that caused these injuries.”
According to copies of the indictments obtained by the TV station, it is alleged that the women showed a complete disregard for the safety of the children and caused them significant physical harm.
Authorities report that the 1-year-old and 2-year-old endured burns, bite marks, and broken bones, according to law enforcement. Furthermore, the indictments claim that every child tested positive for fentanyl.
The toddlers sustained injuries at an apartment on West C Street in Newton, a small town located approximately 40 miles northwest of Charlotte.
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Authorities claim that a third adult, who has been identified as a man, is believed to have played a role in the child abuse. Unfortunately, he passed away last year.
During police questioning, they attributed their actions to supernatural forces and claimed to have utilized an Ouija board.
However, law enforcement claims that the two defendants are responsible for the severe injuries sustained by the toddlers. According to authorities, the children were found to have bruising and damage to their skin that they neglected to report. The defendants are the victims’ mother and grandmother.
Both the mother and the grandmother are currently being held in custody on a bond of $250,000 as reported by Law&Crime.
The younger defendant made an appearance in court over the weekend and currently has no further hearings scheduled at this time. The older defendant is scheduled to make another court appearance on October 7th.
