11-year-old girl found dead during welfare check, mother charged with murder

Written by: A. Smith

Published November 18, 2025 @ 10:08 AM ET

FULTON COUNTY, Ga. – Sandy Springs police found an 11-year-old girl dead during a welfare check Saturday, and investigators say the child’s mother has been charged with murder.

The incident began just before 11 a.m., when officers were called to a condo in the city after the girl’s aunt reported receiving a text message from the child’s mother, Shannon Grimes, threatening to harm herself, police said.

Upon arrival, officers found Ms. Grimes inside her residence with her deceased 11-year-old daughter.

Investigators have not released the girl’s name or said how she died.

Fulton County Jail records show Grimes faces two counts of murder, one count of first-degree cruelty to children, and one count of tampering with evidence.

Grimes was taken into custody at the scene and transported to a hospital for a medical evaluation, police said.

Police said the investigation remains active.