Tennessee mother indicted in shooting deaths of her infant and 11-year-old child, TBI says months-long investigation led to arrest

Tennessee – A woman has been indicted and arrested in connection with the deaths of two children in Kenton, according to an investigation led by multiple law enforcement agencies in Tennessee.

An investigation by special agents with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), the Kenton Police Department, the Obion County Sheriff’s Office, and the 27th Judicial District Attorney General’s Office led to charges against Jessica Quarles following a months-long inquiry into a fatal shooting incident.

Authorities said the investigation began on June 13, when TBI agents were requested by 27th Judicial District Attorney General Colin Johnson to assist the Kenton Police Department in examining the circumstances surrounding the deaths of two children, identified as Landrie Harris, born 05/02/2025, and McKenna Young, born 11/11/2014.

The children were found deceased at a residence in the 300 block of Jan Lynn Street in Kenton, according to officials. Investigators said that during the course of the investigation, Quarles, the children’s mother, was identified as the individual responsible for their deaths.

On June 29, an Obion County Grand Jury returned a formal indictment charging Quarles with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder, two counts of first-degree felony murder, and additional charges of aggravated child abuse, neglect, and endangerment involving a vulnerable child, including one count involving a child eight years old or younger.

Following the indictment, Quarles was arrested and booked into the Obion County Jail without bond.

Authorities emphasized that the charges are allegations at this stage of the case. Officials noted that an indictment is not evidence of guilt, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said it continues to work alongside local and district agencies as the case moves forward through the judicial system.

The investigation remains ongoing as prosecutors prepare for further proceedings related to the charges.