Mother Arrested for Brutal Murder of 4-Year-Old Daughter and Attempted Killing of Son: Mental Illness Suspected

A 34-year-old woman from Modesto, California has been arrested for the brutal and tragic murder of her 4-year-old daughter, as well as the attempted killing of her 10-year-old son. Mina Nazari pleaded not guilty to the charges of first-degree murder and child abuse causing death in connection with her daughter's killing. The authorities were alerted to a potential assault at the Crown Ridge Apartments on October 15th, where they discovered the lifeless body of Fatima Sana Akram, along with her unharmed sibling. Modesto Police Department has determined that Nazari fatally stabbed her daughter and made an attempt on her son's life.

The Stanislaus County District Attorney's office has officially charged Nazari with first-degree murder, child abuse causing death, attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and child endangerment. The gravity of the charges against her is apparent, as she potentially faces a lengthy prison sentence if convicted. The family friend revealed that Nazari suffers from mental illness, shedding light on the possible motive behind this horrific act. The impact on the surviving child, who now has to grapple with the knowledge that his own mother committed such a heinous crime, is immeasurable.

A neighbor expressed their sympathy for the family and acknowledged the tragic consequences of Nazari's actions. In response to the devastating loss, a GoFundMe page has been set up to assist the family with the burial expenses for young Fatima. The outpouring of support and condolences has provided some solace during this difficult time. Nazari, who was born in Iran, appeared in Stanislaus Superior Court via Zoom with the assistance of a Farsi interpreter. Currently, she is being held without bail at the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center.

A bail hearing is scheduled for October 24, and Deputy District Attorney Fawn Smolak argues that, if granted, the bail should be set at a minimum of $2.635 million due to the potential flight risk. This heartbreaking incident serves as a chilling reminder of the profound effects that mental illness can have on individuals and their families. While this case progresses through the legal system, the community mourns the loss of young Fatima Sana Akram and prays for the healing and recovery of her brother, who has been left traumatized by this senseless act of violence.