North Dakota woman accused of stabbing two children to death, injuring a third
A North Dakota woman has been charged with killing two of her children and injuring a third in a violent attack, according to authorities. Kailey Erhart, 22, is accused of stabbing her 5-month-old and 3-year-old children Thursday in Mandan.
Police said Erhart also threatened her estranged husband with a gun and threatened to kill herself. The husband was at home with the children when police were alerted to the incident, the Mandan Police Department reported. The 1-year-old child survived the attack but suffered serious injuries and underwent surgery, though officials have not updated the child’s current condition.
Police Chief Jason Ziegler described the scene as one of the most horrific he has seen. “A scene like that is something that nobody should ever have to see, and the way the officers responded was remarkable given the circumstances,” Ziegler said at a news conference. “Our thoughts are with everyone impacted by this tragedy.”
Authorities said Erhart’s children’s father, who was at home and planning to file for divorce, attempted to disarm her during a physical struggle earlier that day. He reportedly took apart the gun she had purchased recently and scattered the pieces. During the altercation, Erhart reportedly bit and scratched him, according to police.
The children’s grandmother was present during the incident and told police that Erhart chased her and the children’s father out of the house with a knife before the alleged killings. Erhart faces nine charges, including two counts of murder, one count of attempted murder, and multiple counts of assault and terrorizing. Bond was set at $3 million, and no-contact orders are in place for the victims’ family members.
Her preliminary hearing and arraignment are scheduled for October 6. A GoFundMe campaign to support the children and their father has raised more than $25,000 as of Sunday night. The fundraiser describes the father as a parent trying to survive an unimaginable tragedy and highlights the ongoing medical care and challenges faced by the surviving child.
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