Kenton, Tennessee — A Tennessee mother has been charged with multiple counts of murder and child abuse after authorities say her two young daughters were found fatally shot inside their family home, a case that has left a small community mourning and investigators searching for answers.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) announced that Jessica Quarles has been indicted on charges including first-degree premeditated murder, first-degree felony murder, and multiple counts of aggravated child abuse, neglect, or endangerment following the deaths of her daughters.
The tragic case unfolded on June 13 in Kenton, where emergency responders were called after the children’s father made the devastating discovery.
Father Found Both Children Inside the Home
According to investigators, the children’s father returned home and found 1-year-old Landrie Harris and 11-year-old McKenna Young dead inside the residence.
Authorities said both children had suffered fatal gunshot wounds.
Following the discovery, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation joined the Kenton Police Department, the Obion County Sheriff’s Office, and the 27th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office in launching a homicide investigation.
Investigators later identified Quarles as the person allegedly responsible for the children’s deaths.
She was hospitalized after the incident with critical stab wounds and was taken into custody after being released from medical care.
An Obion County grand jury later returned an indictment charging her in connection with both deaths. She is currently being held in the Obion County Jail without bond.
Investigation Led to Murder Charges
In a statement announcing the indictment, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said authorities gathered evidence identifying Quarles as the suspect during the investigation.
The charges include:
- First-degree premeditated murder
- First-degree felony murder
- Aggravated child abuse, neglect or endangerment of a vulnerable child
- Aggravated child abuse, neglect or endangerment of a child 8 years old or younger
Officials have not publicly discussed a possible motive for the killings. Earlier in the investigation, Kenton Mayor Danny Jowers described the incident as intentional.
“It was done intentionally. It was no accident.”
The criminal case now moves forward through the Tennessee court system.
Family Friend Describes Father’s Grief
Family friend Haley Paige Wilson, who organized an online fundraiser for the children’s father, said he has been overwhelmed by grief since the tragedy.
Wilson described him as a devoted father who loved both girls deeply, including McKenna, who was not his biological daughter.
She said he worked overtime to purchase a replacement motorized wheelchair after McKenna’s previous chair was stolen.
According to Wilson, the emotional toll has been enormous.
“He doesn’t understand it at all. He’s just devastated. He’s numb.”
She also said the father struggled after online speculation wrongly suggested he may have been involved before charges were announced.
Wilson said the accusations only added to his pain while he was mourning the loss of both children.
Community Remembers Two Young Lives
McKenna lived with several complex medical conditions, including Fragile X syndrome, epilepsy, autism, hypotonia, and mobility challenges, according to previous public statements shared by Quarles.
Family members on both sides have asked the public to remember the children rather than focus solely on the criminal case.
One relative said the family remains heartbroken by the tragedy.
“It’s about remembering our sweet McKenna and Landrie now. Their lives mattered and they was so loved.”
As the investigation continues, loved ones continue mourning two young lives lost far too soon.
Quarles is scheduled to be arraigned on July 6 in Obion County Circuit Court, where she is expected to formally respond to the charges against her.
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