A 28-year-old Maryland woman's botched exorcism attempt results to the death of two of her children and injuries to two others, officials reported Saturday.
Authorities described a shocking bloody scene at the family's Germantown home Friday morning when they found a 1-year-old and 2-year-old stabbed to death by their own mother. A 5-year-old and 8-year-old also received severe wounds and are receiving medical attention, Montgomery police confirmed.
Officials announced Saturday the mother, Zakieya Latrice Avery, 28, and her accomplice, Monifa Denise Sanford, 21, were attempting to perform an exorcism on the children. The Maryland women were both charged and arrested on two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder.
Avery's younger children, 1-year-old Norell Harris and 2-year-old Zyana Harris, were killed as a result of an attempted exorcism. Taniya, 5, and Martello, 8, are still hospitalized with unspecified injuries.
Sanford was also injured at the home and was given treatment at a local hospital, officials said. Avery was not injured. Authorities did not disclose further details about what happened inside the house, saying it was under investigation.
Monifa Denise Sandford, has also been convicted with two counts of murder and two counts of attempted murder. She received injuries to her body, police say.
"Cases like this are heartbreaking," said Police Chief Tom Manger of Montgomery County Police Chief Tom Manger in an official statement. "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victims along with the 911 operators, police officers, evidence technicians, and fire and EMS personnel that responded."
Sanford lived at the Germantown residence but is not a direct member of the family. The two women are being detained in the local correctional facility without bond, police confirmed.
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