Mother; 3-Year-Old Daughter Murdered

The Sharkey County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the brutal murders of a 31-year-old woman and her 3-year-old daughter.

Their bodies were found Wednesday afternoon in the bedroom of their home in the town of Cary.  It’s off Highway 61; 75 miles northwest of Jackson.

Sharkey County Coroner Angela Eason says the 31 year old was stabbed in the chest.  She described the attack as vicious.  Eason did not know the cause of the 3 year old’s death.  Authorities have not released their names.  According to the coroner, this is the county’s first murder this year.  They had only one last year.

“Just to have one murder of this caliber, I would call that a lot,“ she said. 

The sheriff’s department is working with Mississippi’s Bureau of Investigation.  A forensic team from the coast will assist with blood splatter tests.

Dozens of friends and family gathered around the yellow police tape outside the victim’s home Pain and sadness filled the crowd of mourners.

“I am very shocked to hear about what happened in this little community,“ said Gloria Hoye, who knew the victim.  “It’s terrible.“

Anger was another emotion being expressed by residents.

“Whoever did this, you have no right to do it,“ said Nicholas Sanders.  “Come forward…or you’re going to make it hard for yourself.“

Authorities say the victim worked at a local convenience store.  Autopsies will be performed at the State Crime Lab.