A North Dakota mother is accused of fatally stabbing two of her three children and critically injuring the third. Kailey Erhart, 22, faces nine charges, including two counts of murder and one count of attempted murder, following the incident on Thursday.
Mandan Police Chief Jason Ziegler described the crime scene as one of the most horrific his officers have encountered. "A scene like that is something that nobody should ever have to see," Ziegler stated during a press conference. "The way [the officers] came through in one of the most horrific times that they’ll probably experience in their life, I’m proud."
The attack occurred after Erhart allegedly waved a gun at her estranged husband and threatened to kill herself. The children's father was reportedly at home with the children when police were alerted to Erhart's threats. During a struggle over the gun, Erhart allegedly bit and scratched her husband. The children's grandmother, who was also present, told police that Erhart chased her and the children's father out of the house with a knife before the alleged killings.
The victims were a 5-month-old and a 3-year-old. The surviving child, who is 1 year old, underwent surgery for serious injuries. The latest medical status of the child has not been released.
Erhart has also been charged with multiple counts of aggravated assault and terrorizing. A judge set her cash bond at $3 million, citing "the extreme violence in these alleged charges and the threat to the community, victims, and children."
Formal no-contact orders have been issued, prohibiting Erhart from contacting the surviving victim or other family members. Her preliminary hearing and arraignment are scheduled for October 6.
A GoFundMe campaign established to support the surviving child and their father has raised over $25,000. The description on the fundraiser notes the profound grief and the ongoing challenges faced by the family, particularly the surviving child.