North Carolina Mother Charged with Murder in Starvation Death of 13-Year-Old Daughter
Authorities say the girl weighed only 35 pounds at the time of her death, with autopsy revealing severe malnutrition and pneumonia.
A North Carolina mother has been charged with murder in the death of her 13-year-old daughter, who was found starved and severely emaciated. Kymberli Bowden, 45, faces a first-degree murder charge after an autopsy determined the cause of death for her daughter, identified as ZT, was acute necrotizing pneumonia and inanition, a state of severe malnutrition and physical wasting.
Authorities discovered ZT's body in Bowden's High Point home on October 14, 2025. She had reportedly been deceased for approximately two days. According to reports, the medical examiner described the child as extremely emaciated, with matted, dirty hair, dirty ears, a gaunt face, and sunken eyes. Medical records indicated ZT typically weighed between 63 to 65 pounds, a stark contrast to her final weight of 35 pounds.
Patrol officers were called to the residence after family members expressed concern over not having seen ZT for several months. Upon arrival, police found ZT's 13-year-old twin brother alive within the home. The boy was reportedly not provided with adequate nutrition, clothing, or sanitary living conditions, and has suffered significant psychological harm.
Police reports detailed the interior of the home as being filled with trash and rotting food. Neighbors had previously contacted the High Point Police Department on multiple occasions, requesting welfare checks on the children inside the residence.
Bowden was initially charged with two counts of felony child abuse and concealing a death. The murder charge was added following the finalization of the autopsy report. If convicted of the murder charge, Bowden could face a life sentence. Her next court appearance is scheduled for December.