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Child dies while staying with aunt in Kannapolis, police say

Vanity Rubystine Williams, 31, is now charged with murder and felony child abuse.

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. — WCNC Charlotte has chosen to use this mugshot because of the nature of the charges.

A Kannapolis woman is facing charges after her 4-year-old niece died at her home earlier this week.

On Friday, the Kannapolis Police Department shared details about the arrest of 31-year-old Vanity Rubystine Williams. Officers said they were called to a home along Old Rivers Road for the report about the child's passing. The girl had been staying with Williams since October and was in her care at the time she died.

Police arrested Williams on Thursday, initially charging her with one count of felony child abuse. However, she was further charged with murder after an autopsy was conducted.

Credit: Kannapolis PD
Vanity Rubystine Williams

Details about what exactly happened weren't immediately shared. WCNC Charlotte reviewed the arrest affidavit for Williams, which didn't show specific information. 

Court records showed she was not authorized for bond and will have a first appearance in court set for Monday, Nov. 25.

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