Police: 3-year-old found safe; dad arrested for mom’s murder

CHARLOTTE — A 3-year-old girl is safe and her father is in custody for her mother’s murder, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police said.

The girl, Marlaya Monet Patterson, had been taken from the house where her mom was found dead Sunday morning, according to police.

Authorities issued an Amber Alert around 12:30p.m. on Sunday for Marlaya.

Following an extensive investigation, Marlaya Patterson has been located. As additional information develops, it will be released by the CMPD's Public Affairs Office.
— CMPD News (@CMPD) February 13, 2022

Police were searching for her father, 31-year-old Corey Lamont Patterson in connection with her abduction. Police believed he was be armed.

On Monday, police confirmed they arrested Patterson Sunday and charged him with murder and possession of a firearm by a felon.

A police source told Channel 9′s Glenn Counts the murder and abduction was an act of domestic violence. Patterson allegedly killed the mother of his child before taking the young girl, sources said.

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Police identified Malaya’s mother Monday as Jaqusica Wilson, 27.

Counts learned from sources Patterson was found with some of his family members. Police said they found Marlaya when they found Corey Patterson. She has been reunited with family and is safe, officers said.

Charlotte Amber Alert Left to right: Marlaya Monet Patterson, Corey Patterson

Patterson has a lengthy criminal record and has spent time in prison, according to court records. Neighbors told Channel 9 they were stunned by the turn of events in the quiet community.

“I just pray that the whole circumstance and the whole situation, I just pray that, one, justice is served, but also, for any child that may or may not be involved or any person that’s associated with the person,” Christina Sellers said. “I just pray that they have peace as well as justice.”

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CMPD said they were called to Swan Drive off Oakdale Road around 6:30 a.m. Sunday for a welfare check. They found Wilson, who had been shot. MEDIC confirmed she died from her injuries.

Wilson’s death is considered a homicide and the investigation is ongoing, police said.

Check back on wsoctv.com for updates.

(WATCH BELOW: CMPD investigates homicide in southwest Charlotte)