Woman, who is pregnant with her partner’s child, claims she was being strangIed by the man at the time, leading her to act in seIf-defense when she fatally stabed him in front of his parent; charged

North Carolina – Last week, authorities in North Carolina responded to a distress call reporting an assault with a deadly weapon at a family residence. Upon arrival around 2 a.m., they discovered 20-year-old Shemare suffering from muItiple stab wounds. He was quickly rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

At the scene, officers identified his girIfriend, 20-year-old Maia, who is approximately 12 weeks prgnant with his child, as the primary suspect. The young woman was taken into custody and subsequently charged with first-degree murder. She appeared in court on March 25 and was denied bond, remaining in custody at the county jail.

According to court documents, the fatal incident occurred during a heated argument between the defendant and the victim in the kitchen of the residence. The defendant allegedly retrieved a knife and, during the altercation, stabbed her partner multiple times. The young woman claimed that she was being strangled by her partner at the time, leading her to act in self-defense.

The victim’s mom, Shai, provided a harrowing account of the events. She recounted being present during the altercation and attempting to intervene. After the stabbing, she found her son holding his chest as his shirt became soaked with bIood. In his final moments, the victim pleaded to his parent ‘o let this happen to him and asked the woman for help.’ Despite her efforts to comfort him, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after. 

This tragic incident was not the first instance of domestic conflict between the victim and the defendant. In December 2024, police responded to a domestic dispute at the same residence. During that incident, the woman accused her partner of infidelity, leading to a confrontation where she allegedly threw his belongings and attempted to strike him with a glass cup, inadvertently injuring herself. The victim reported that his girIfriend had attacked him by grabbing his shirt and scratching his chest and neck. No charges were filed at that time. ​

Authorities in North Carolina continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death. They urge anyone with information to contact their Homicide Unit at 704-432-8477 or provide anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600. 

As the community grapples with this tragedy, the case underscores the critical importance of addressing domestic violence and providing support to those involved in tumultuous relationships.​