Shannen Grimes, 52, from Sandy Springs, Georgia, faces charges of murder, first-degree cruelty to children, possession of a firearm or knife during a felony, and tampering with evidence in the death of her 11-year-old daughter, Genesis Grimes, on November 15, 2025. Police discovered Genesis stabbed at least four times, with defensive wounds like a deep cut on her right thumb, cleaned up, and staged in a recliner with a blanket and Bible devotional book. Grimes had self-inflicted injuries and told officers the events felt “like a dream,” claiming she never intended to kill her daughter but acted out of paranoia after visiting her father in New Jersey.
Key Details from Investigation
- Motive Claims: Grimes said she grew fearful someone might harm her or Genesis to access “his money or resources.” She believed killing herself (and implying Genesis) would let them “wake up” from a bad dream.
- Discovery: After Grimes texted her sister, “If they are harming girls, they cannot have Gen… My beautiful, talented angel can sing her whistle tone in heaven,” the sister called 911. Officers arrived on November 16 morning.
- Scene Evidence: Detective Isaiah Tomlin testified at a December 10 hearing about the staging and wounds, per Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
- Community Reaction: Neighbors described the pair as polite and kind, expressing shock. Genesis’s school offers counseling.
Legal Status
A Fulton County magistrate judge found probable cause on December 10, advancing the case to a grand jury. Grimes remains in jail, per PEOPLE and local outlets like AJC, Atlanta News First, and FOX 5 Atlanta.
This tragedy highlights mental health crises in family settings—paranoia and delusions led to unimaginable violence. Local resources like Georgia’s crisis hotline (1-800-715-4225) or NAMI Georgia can provide support for similar struggles. Have you been following this story, or is there a specific aspect you’d like more details on?
