A quiet family home in North Dakota became the setting of a devastating tragedy. A 22-year-old mother, Kailey Erhart, is accused of attacking her three young children with a knife, killing two of them and seriously injuring another.
A quiet family home in North Dakota became the scene of an unimaginable tragedy after 22-year-old Kailey Erhart allegedly attacked her three young children with a knife, killing two and seriously injuring another.
Erhart is facing multiple criminal charges following the horrifying incident in Mandan on August 6. According to court documents, police were called to the residence after receiving reports that children had been attacked.
When officers arrived, investigators say they found Erhart covered in blood and holding a knife against her own throat. She eventually dropped the weapon and allegedly begged officers to kill her.
Inside the home, police discovered her three children suffering from severe injuries to their necks. All three were rushed to a hospital, but tragically, the 3-year-old girl and 5-month-old girl died from their injuries.
Her 1-year-old son survived after undergoing surgery. Authorities have not provided additional details about his current condition.
The children’s father was reportedly inside the home when the terrifying events unfolded.
According to the affidavit, the father had previously been threatened by Erhart and was in the process of separating from her. He told investigators that Erhart had recently obtained a handgun and had threatened him with it.
Mom’s chilling five words to the father
The father was able to take the gun away from her and dismantle it, scattering the pieces so it could no longer be used. But the terrifying situation soon escalated.
The children’s grandmother was also inside the home. Investigators say Erhart chased both the father and grandmother outside while holding a knife before locking the door.
Then came the chilling words that the father reportedly captured on video.
According to the affidavit, Erhart was seen holding one of the children while also carrying a pistol.
“Say goodbye to your children,” she allegedly told the father.
Police say that shortly afterward, the children were attacked.
Police describe a horrifying scene
Mandan Police Chief Jason Ziegler spoke about the incident and praised the officers who responded to the home.
He described the case as an “extreme, tragic and heartbreaking incident” that has affected the children, their family, the community and the first responders who arrived at the scene.
“A scene like that is something that nobody should ever have to see,” Ziegler said, adding that he was proud of how the officers responded during what was likely one of the most horrific experiences of their lives.
“I want to acknowledge this is an extreme, tragic and heartbreaking incident for the children involved, their families, our community and first responders who arrived on scene. Our thoughts are with everyone that were impacted,” Ziegler said.
Erhart was taken into custody and is facing nine criminal charges, including two counts of murder, attempted murder and aggravated assault.
Her bond was set at $3 million in cash.
Hearing scheduled for October 6
A judge has also ordered Erhart to have no contact with the surviving victims or family members.
Erhart has not entered a plea.
According to investigators, Erhart later told police that she had put the children to bed and believed their throats had already been cut. She reportedly said she did not remember what had happened, but remembered holding the knife when officers arrived.
The devastating case has left a family mourning the loss of two very young children, while another child continues to recover after surviving the attack.
Erhart is scheduled to return to court for a preliminary hearing on October 6.