Exorcism Caused Death of Two Toddlers : Police Say

A Germantown, Md., mother and another woman accused of killing two toddlers and trying to kill two other children believed that they were releasing demonic spirits that had possessed the siblings, Montgomery County police said Saturday.

Detectives have also charged the children’s mother, Zakieya Latrice Avery, 28, with two counts of First Degree Murder and two counts of Attempted First Degree Murder. Following officer’s arrival to the home, she was taken to police headquarters where she was interviewed and eventually placed under arrest. Avery is being held without bond.

The Maryland Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled that both Norell Harris, age 1, and Zyana Harris, age 2, suffered multiple stab wounds and both deaths have been classified as homicide. Taniya Harris, age 5, and Martello Harris, age 8, remain hospitalized.

Investigators have learned that the two defendants believed that they were performing an exorcism. The investigation into this motive and other aspects of the crime continue at this point and no further information will be released at this time.

“Cases like this are heartbreaking” said Montgomery County Police Chief Tom Manger. “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victims along with the 911 operators, police officers, evidence technicians, and fire and EMS personnel that responded.”

Agencies/Canadajournal