PEMBROKE, N.C. (THECOUNT) — Kashon Malik Priest, 28, of Lumberton, North Carolina, has been charged with murder in the death of his 4-month-old daughter, Katelynn Michelle Priest, following an investigation into suspected child abuse in Robeson County, North Carolina.
According to the Pembroke Police Department and the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), officers responded on May 5 to a report of suspected child abuse injuries involving the infant. Pembroke is located in Robeson County in southeastern North Carolina, near the South Carolina border.
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Katelynn was initially transported to UNC Health Southeastern in Lumberton for medical treatment. She was later airlifted to UNC Children’s Hospital in Chapel Hill, where she remained hospitalized until her death on May 15, authorities said.
On May 19, four days after the infant died, Pembroke police requested assistance from the SBI with the child abuse investigation. The investigation ultimately led to Priest being charged with one count of murder.
Following her death, Katelynn’s body was taken to the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy. Authorities have not publicly disclosed the findings or provided further details about the injuries that prompted the initial investigation.
Priest is being held without bond at the Robeson County Detention Center. Officials have not released additional information about the circumstances surrounding the infant’s injuries or the evidence leading to the murder charge.
Pembroke is a community in southeastern North Carolina, approximately 10 miles west of Lumberton, the Robeson County seat. The investigation involves local police and the state SBI.
Google Maps: Pembroke, North Carolina (general location; the specific incident address has not been released).
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