A Barnardsville mother is accused of fatally stabbing her 10-month-old son. Ciara Breann Frederick, 34, made her first appearance in Buncombe County District Court on Friday, March 27, after being charged with first-degree murder. The tragic incident has raised public safety concerns in the close-knit communities of Buncombe County.
If convicted, Frederick could face the death penalty or life without parole. She is also charged with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, charges that stem from an incident where Frederick allegedly assaulted another man with a fixed-blade knife and chased him down the driveway of the Rocala Drive property.
The Buncombe County Sheriff's Office, along with the Barnardsville Fire Department and EMS, responded to a call on Thursday, March 26, around 2 p.m., to a report of a stabbing on Rocala Drive in Barnardsville. First responders found Frederick's infant son suffering from multiple stab wounds. The child was transported to Mission Hospital in Asheville, where he died from his injuries. Court records allege that Frederick "unlawfully, willfully, and feloniously did of malice aforethought kill and murder" her son.
During Friday's hearing, Frederick's family members were present in the courtroom, visibly weeping as the proceedings unfolded. Chief Public Defender Sam Snead, acting as a liaison for capital defenders, stated that he would be reviewing potential attorneys qualified to take on the case. Frederick's next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday, April 16, for a probable cause hearing where evidence will be presented.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law."