Texas Mom Is Accused of Strangling 5-Year-Old Daughter

Melissa Towne, 37, was charged with capital murder Monday after authorities allege she stabbed and strangled her 5-year-old daughter, Nichole, before wrapping her body in trash and mesh bags and taking her to a local hospital.

According to authorities, Towne allegedly took Nichole to the Spring Creek Park just north of Houston, Texas, and took her towards the woods. Towne then instructed the girl to get on her knees before slitting her throat. Nichole survived the cut, fought back, and began pleading with Towne saying “I’ve been good!” Towne allegedly then strangled her daughter for 30-45 minutes.

At exactly 12 p.m. Sunday, Towne arrived to HCA Tomball Hospital and asked hospital staff for a wheelchair because “her daughter’s body was hurting.” An emergency room nurse followed Towne to her Jeep Grand Cherokee in the parking lot where she found Nichole partially wrapped in trash and mesh bags. Lacerations were visible on the girl’s neck and she was pronounced dead 10 minutes after her arrival at the hospital.

Towne was swiftly arrested by officers with the Harris County Sheriff’s Department. While in custody, she released. statement where she admitted to intentionally killing her daughter. She called Nichole evil and did not want to “deal with her anymore” according to KTRK.

In a Texas Department of Family and Protective Services statement to KTRK, they are investigating Nichole’s death alongside law enforcement. CPS has been involved with Towne before. Towne has three other children ranging in ages from 2 to 18 who are now living with relatives. Nichole’s father, James, has reportedly had custody of Nichole since she was born.

Towne was charged with capital murder Monday and is being held on $15 million bond.

A GoFundMe campaign has been created by Nichole’s aunt, Amber Bradshaw, to help the family with funeral costs and other final expenses.