Tennessee Mother Indicted on Murder Charges in Fatal Shooting of Her Two Children

KENTON, Tennessee — A Tennessee woman has been indicted on multiple murder charges after investigators accused her of fatally shooting her two young children at their home in Kenton earlier this month.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) announced that Jessica Quarles, 32, was indicted by an Obion County grand jury on June 29 in connection with the deaths of her children, 1-year-old Landrie Harris and 11-year-old McKenna Young.

Grand Jury Returns Multiple Charges

According to the TBI, Quarles faces the following charges:

• Two counts of first-degree premeditated murder
• Two counts of first-degree felony murder
• One count of aggravated child abuse, neglect, or endangerment involving a vulnerable child
• One count of aggravated child abuse, neglect, or endangerment involving a child aged eight years or younger

Authorities allege that Quarles was responsible for the deaths of both children, who were found with fatal gunshot wounds inside the family home on Jan Lynn Street on June 13.

Mother Found Injured at the Scene

When officers responded to the residence, they also found Quarles suffering from stab wounds.

She was transported to a hospital in critical condition before later being released into law enforcement custody.

Investigators have not disclosed additional details about how she sustained the injuries.

Investigation Led by State Agents

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said its agents joined the investigation at the request of the 27th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office shortly after the incident.

Following an extensive investigation conducted alongside the Kenton Police Department, authorities identified Quarles as the primary suspect in the children’s deaths.

“During the course of the investigation, authorities identified Jessica Quarles, the children’s mother, as the individual responsible for their murders,” the TBI said in a statement.

Held Without Bond

Quarles is currently being held without bond at the Obion County Jail while awaiting further court proceedings.

Authorities have not publicly disclosed a possible motive for the alleged killings, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Community Mourns Two Young Lives

The deaths of Landrie Harris and McKenna Young have deeply affected the Kenton community.

In the days following the tragedy, residents gathered for a candlelight prayer vigil to honor the children and offer support to those affected by the heartbreaking incident.

As the criminal case moves forward, prosecutors are expected to present evidence before the court while investigators continue examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

Quarles remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.