Pembroke man charged with murder in death of 4-month-old daughter

PEMBROKE, NC (WWAY) — A Robeson County man has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the death of his 4-month-old daughter earlier this year.

According to the Pembroke Police Department, 28-year-old Kashon Malik Priest is charged with one count of murder in the death of Katelynn Michelle Priest.

Police say officers responded May 5 to a report of suspected child abuse injuries involving the infant.

Katelynn was initially taken to UNC Health Southeastern before being airlifted to UNC Children’s Hospital in Chapel Hill for further treatment.

She remained hospitalized until her death on May 15.

Following her death, Katelynn’s body was taken to the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for an autopsy.

On May 19, Pembroke police requested assistance from the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation in the case.

Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding the child’s injuries or the findings of the autopsy.

Priest is being held without bond at the Robeson County Detention Center.

Police say no additional information is available at this time.