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North Carolina Mom Charged with Killing Child, Trying to Kill Another
Andrea Morgan Faust accused of first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder of her children
Published on Feb. 22, 2026
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A 41-year-old North Carolina woman named Andrea Morgan Faust has been arrested and charged with first-degree murder for allegedly killing one of her young children and attempted first-degree murder for allegedly trying to kill her other child in Durham. Faust was denied release from custody, and her husband has stated this was a mental health crisis, not the actions of the "tremendous mother" she normally is.
Why it matters
This tragic case highlights the need for better access to mental health resources and support for parents experiencing crises. It also raises questions about how to balance public safety with compassion for those struggling with their mental health.
The details
According to the arrest warrant, on the evening of February 12, police found Faust's two "unresponsive small children" in the Grove Park neighborhood of Durham. One child went into cardiac arrest and later died at the hospital, while the other child was found with a slight pulse and is expected to fully recover. Faust allegedly fled the scene but was later apprehended by police. The specific details of how she allegedly harmed the children have not been released by authorities.
- On February 13, Faust was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder.
- On February 17, Faust's release from custody was denied, and her husband spoke in court requesting she focus on her mental health.
- On February 18, Faust made her initial court appearance from a hospital bed after reportedly attempting suicide.
The players
Andrea Morgan Faust
A 41-year-old North Carolina woman charged with first-degree murder and attempted first-degree murder for allegedly killing one of her young children and trying to kill another.
Eric Faust
Andrea Faust's husband, who spoke in court requesting she focus on her mental health, and stated she was a "tremendous mother" and this was a mental health crisis, not her normal actions.
What they’re saying
“'Andrea, I'm begging you, please no more attempts to harm yourself. Work with your doctors. Work with anything you can. And I promise you, if you do that, I will let you know how [their child] is doing as often as I can.'”
— Eric Faust, Husband of Andrea Faust (WNCN)
“'I just want to let the court know this was a complete mental health crisis. Anyone will tell you what a tremendous mother Andrea was. These were not the actions of my wife.'”
— Eric Faust, Husband of Andrea Faust (WNCN)
What’s next
The judge will decide whether to transfer Andrea Faust to the Safekeeping Unit at the North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women in Raleigh.
The takeaway
This tragic case underscores the critical need for improved access to mental health resources and support for parents experiencing crises. It also highlights the complexities of balancing public safety with compassion for those struggling with their mental health.
