WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — A woman is charged with murder in the death of her 5-year-old son in Rural Hall.
Police said on Sunday just before 10 p.m. they found the boy unresponsive in the house on Whisperwood Street. He was taken to Brenner Children’s Hospital and pronounced dead.
The Medical Examiner determined the death a homicide. Detectives with the police department arrested Kimberly Monique Smith, 37, who’s charged with murder and intentional child abuse inflicting serious bodily injury.
Police said Smith's other child, age 6, was in the house and had signs of trauma and injuries. The child was taken into protective custody for medical treatment.
Arrest warrants obtained by WFMY News 2 revealed Smith harmed her 6-year-old over time, between April and June. The child's injuries included a broken rib, a broken arm, and several bruises.
Neighbors told WFMY News 2's Jess Winters that no one knew what was happening behind closed doors.
"They always had smiles on their faces, they never acted like anything was wrong or they were scared of their mom so no one knew," one neighbor who wanted to remain anonymous said. "I would describe them as sweet, loving, and adorable. They would bring flowers to the ladies in the neighborhood and put them on their doorstep all the time."
Smith was given no bond for the murder charge. She's being held on a $200,000 bond for the child abuse charge.
Anyone with any information regarding this investigation is asked to call the Winston-Salem Police Department at 336-773-7700, Crime Stoppers at 336-727-2800, or En Espanol 336-728-3904. The Text-A-Tip program can be reached at 336-276-1717 and allows you to anonymously text tips, photos, and videos to the Winston-Salem Police Department.