Georgia Mother Charged With Murder After 11-Year-Old Daughter Found Dead in Sandy Springs Home

Georgia Mother Charged With Murder After 11-Year-Old Daughter Found Dead in Sandy Springs Home

A Sandy Springs community is reeling after a heartbreaking and deeply disturbing tragedy in which an 11-year-old girl was found dead inside her home, and her mother is now facing multiple charges—including two counts of murder. Authorities say 42-year-old Shannen Grimes was discovered Saturday morning alongside the body of her daughter, Genesis, after what police believe was an attempted murder-suicide.

According to the Sandy Springs Police Department, officers were called to the residence early Saturday following a welfare check request. When they entered the home, they found Grimes injured and her daughter, 11-year-old Genesis, unresponsive. First responders attempted life-saving measures on the child, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police say evidence strongly indicates that Grimes killed her daughter before attempting to take her own life. She was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment under police supervision. Once medically cleared, she was booked into custody and charged with two counts of murder, along with additional charges related to the incident.

The news has devastated the Sandy Springs community, where neighbors described Genesis as a bright, sweet, and gentle girl whose smile made her well known in the neighborhood. Many said they were stunned to learn of the tragedy, expressing disbelief that something so horrific could happen behind the closed doors of a quiet residential street.

Law enforcement officials have not commented publicly on a possible motive, and the investigation remains active. Detectives continue to interview family members, neighbors, and others who may have insight into the circumstances leading up to the incident. Authorities are also reviewing any previous police interactions or welfare concerns involving the household, though no details have been released.

Local leaders and community advocates have emphasized the emotional toll that such cases take—not only on surviving family members, but also on first responders and the broader community. Mental health professionals have urged anyone struggling to seek help, noting that tragedies like this highlight the importance of early intervention and accessible mental health resources.

Genesis’s school is expected to offer counseling and support services for students and staff. School officials, who described the young girl as bright, creative, and kind-hearted, said they are preparing to support classmates shocked by the sudden loss of a peer.

As the investigation continues, authorities say more information will be released in the coming days. For now, the Sandy Springs community is united in grief, mourning the loss of a young life cut tragically short and struggling to understand the events that led to such an unimaginable act.