North Carolina mother charged with infant's murder

Ciara Frederick accused of stabbing 10-month-old son Enoch Chappell multiple times

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:51pm

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A 26-year-old woman in Barnardsville, North Carolina has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon after her 10-month-old son Enoch Chappell was found with multiple stab wounds and later pronounced dead at a local hospital.

Why it matters

This tragic incident has shaken the small community of Barnardsville and raised concerns about maternal mental health, access to support services, and the safety of vulnerable infants and children.

The details

According to the Buncombe County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded to a call on Rocala Drive in Barnardsville just after 2 p.m. on Thursday. When they arrived, they found Enoch Chappell suffering from multiple stab wounds. The infant was rushed to Mission Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival.

  • The incident occurred on Thursday, March 26, 2026 around 2 p.m.

The players

Ciara Frederick

The 26-year-old mother of the victim who has been charged with first-degree murder and two counts of assault with a deadly weapon.

Enoch Chappell

The 10-month-old infant who was found with multiple stab wounds and later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller

The sheriff who expressed condolences and said the community's hearts are broken over this tragedy.

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What they’re saying

“Our hearts and thoughts are with everyone impacted by this tragedy. Members of the Barnardsville Fire Department and Buncombe County EMS did everything they could to save this child's life, and for that we are grateful. Our hearts are broken.”

— Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller

What’s next

The judge will decide on Ciara Frederick's bail status at a hearing next week.

The takeaway

This heartbreaking incident has renewed calls for greater mental health resources and support for new mothers to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.