American woman accused of murdering 4 children

An American woman has been charged with murder after her four young children were found stabbed to death in their Tennessee home.

Police at the scene where four children were murdered. Photo: Telegraph.

According to the Telegraph, police were dispatched to a house in a quiet residential area on the outskirts of Memphis on the afternoon of July 1.

Shanynthia Gardner, 29, was arrested for questioning before being charged with four counts of murder, child abuse and negligence.

Police said all the victims were under the age of 5, including a 4-year-old boy, a 3-year-old girl, a 2-year-old girl and a 6-month-old girl. A 7-year-old boy survived.

"This is an act of evil that shocks us to our core. I will never understand how a person could do such a thing," he said.Shelby County Sheriff Bill Oldham said.

The children's father was also questioned despite not being home when they were stabbed.

Neighbors said they simply could not imagine such a cruel act happening in a peaceful community like the one where they live.

Sean Ahearn said he did not know the family by name but often saw the children playing in the front yard. They liked to tease his dog when he took it for a walk.

The child protection agency said the family's records showed no signs of concern.

A candlelight vigil for the four children was held last night.

According to VNE