Mother said she killed her baby out of compassion in a second attempt to claim her daughter’s life after previously failing to poison her with prescription medication; charged
North Carolina – In a disturbing case in North Carolina, a mother is facing murder charges following the death of her 9-month-old daughter. The 39-year-old woman, identified as M. Sattizahn, was arrested under grave circumstances that have shocked the community.
Early in the morning on July 12, the sheriff’s office received reports regarding a disoriented woman walking along the road. The woman, later identified as Sattizahn, fled from authorities but was soon traced to a nearby residence. Inside the home, deputies made a grim discovery—the lifeless body of nine-month-old girl Samantha.
The cause and manner of the infant’s death are pending autopsy results, but authorities are treating the case as a homicide. Following the discovery, Sattizahn was taken to a hospital for mental health evaluation before being officially arrested and charged with murder.
Court documents reveal a chilling confession where she admitted to the murder, referring to it as a compassionate killing. Additionally, Sattizahn confessed to the authorities that this was not her first attempt to claim Samantha’s life. Sattizahn said she poisoned Samantha with prescription medication several months ago, in December, claiming divine instruction. The mother did not seek medical treatment for her daughter at the time, and the incident was not reported.
Further deepening concerns about Sattizahn’s behavior, investigators linked her to another high-profile incident from 2017. Going by another name at the time, she disappeared with her then 8-year-old daughter after picking her up from school, leading to a multi-state search that concluded several days later with their safe discovery in Missouri.
As part of the ongoing investigation into the recent tragedy, law enforcement has secured warrants to review all of Sattizahn’s medical records, writings, and phone records to piece together the events leading to her daughter’s death. Currently held without bond in jail, Sattizahn is scheduled for a court appearance on Monday. The local community expressed shock, as neighbors recalled seeing the family in seemingly normal circumstances. Neighbors of the Sattizahns, recounted seeing the family enjoying ordinary activities with no apparent signs of distress. The case has prompted discussions about mental health and safety measures for children within the community.
