North Carolina mother charged with murder after daughter's starvation death

Kymberli Bowden, 45, has been charged with first-degree murder following the death of her 13-year-old daughter in High Point, North Carolina. An autopsy determined the cause of death for the child, identified as ZT, was acute necrotizing pneumonia and inanition, which refers to severe malnutrition and physical wasting.

Authorities reported that the child weighed only 35 pounds at the time of death, despite medical records indicating she typically weighed between 63 and 65 pounds. The medical examiner described the teen as extremely emaciated with matted hair and sunken eyes. Her body was discovered in the home on October 14, approximately two days after her death.

When police initially responded to the residence last year following reports from family members, they found the home filled with trash and rotten food. Officers also discovered the child’s 13-year-old twin brother alive in the house. The boy had been denied proper nutrition, clothing, and sanitary conditions, and authorities stated he has suffered serious psychological harm. Bowden previously faced charges of felony child abuse and concealing a death.