Nationwide — Brandee Katrice Pierce, a 41-year-old woman from Detroit, has been charged with first-degree murder after her 9-year-old son’s body was found buried in her backyard last month. Investigators allege Pierce smothered her son before burying him in a shallow grave.
As reported by The Detroit News, police discovered the body on January 6th at a home on Woodingham Drive in Detroit. The homeowner, preparing the property for a new tenant, noticed what appeared to be a grave in the backyard. Officers confirmed a human foot was visible.
An autopsy identified the victim as Zemar King, a 9-year-old boy, who died from smothering and neck compression. Investigators allege Pierce killed her son, bought a shovel, dug the grave, and buried him. The motive has not been disclosed.
After Zemar’s death, Pierce moved to Cobb County, Georgia with her 3-year-old son, who is now in foster care. Pierce was arrested in Georgia, and Michigan officials are working to extradite her back to Detroit. A judge in Detroit has authorized charges, but a court date has not been set.
“These charges and allegations are serious, they’re deadly, they’re shocking,” the prosecutor said.
If convicted, Pierce could face life in prison without parole for the murder charges. She also faces additional sentences for child abuse and tampering with evidence.
Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison called the case “very shocking. In my 27-year career, I’ve never seen anything like this.”