An Abilene woman has been charged with capital murder after her young daughter died Wednesday following efforts by emergency personnel at the Abilene Police Department, authorities said.
How authorities learned of the child
Abilene police said a family member brought the injured girl to the front parking lot of the police department at about 11 a.m. Wednesday and asked officers for assistance. The child, initially reported as appearing 4 years old in early reports, was later identified as approximately 3 years old.
Abilene Fire Department personnel and MetroCare EMTs responded to the scene and provided lifesaving measures. Despite those efforts, the child died at the scene, the Abilene Police Department said.
Arrest and ongoing investigation
Authorities have identified the suspect as Anum Khalil Khan, 35, of Abilene. Khan is charged with capital murder of a person younger than 10 in connection with the child’s death, according to the police department.
Investigators from the Abilene Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the child’s injuries and death. Police did not release additional details about the nature of the child’s injuries or the events leading up to the incident.
Impact on police operations and public guidance
The department temporarily closed the police lobby and maintained an active investigation in the department’s parking lot while officers worked the scene. The lobby has since been reopened.
“If you are in need of an officer's assistance, we ask that you wait in your vehicle and call to request that one responds to you. If you have a non-emergency or records request, please avoid the area until further notice,”
That notice, posted by the police department on social media during the response, advised residents to seek assistance by phone or remain in their vehicles until officers could respond.
What is known and what remains unanswered
So far, authorities have confirmed the following:
- The child was brought to the Abilene Police Department’s front parking lot by a family member at about 11 a.m.
- Emergency personnel — Abilene Fire Department and MetroCare EMTs — attempted lifesaving measures but the child died.
- Anum Khalil Khan, 35, was arrested and charged with capital murder of a person younger than 10.
- The Abilene Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit is conducting the investigation.
Authorities have not publicly released a timeline of events preceding the child being brought to the department, nor have they detailed the specific injuries or provided a motive. No court filings or charge documents beyond the initial charging announcement have been released publicly at this time.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Time reported | About 11 a.m., Wednesday |
| Victim | Female child, approximately 3 years old |
| Suspect | Anum Khalil Khan, 35, of Abilene |
| Charge | Capital murder of a person younger than 10 |
| Investigating unit | Abilene Police Department Major Crimes Unit |
Community response and next steps
Cases involving the death of a young child typically draw attention from prosecutors and investigators because Texas law permits capital murder charges when a victim is younger than 10. The charge carries the most serious potential penalties under state law and indicates prosecutors may seek to pursue the case aggressively.
Local residents seeking information can monitor official releases from the Abilene Police Department and statements from Taylor County prosecutors. As the Major Crimes Unit continues its work, charges may be supplemented or additional arrests could be made depending on investigative findings. Court proceedings and formal charging instruments will provide further public detail when they are filed.
WE NEWS will continue to follow this investigation and will provide updates as additional, verified information becomes available from law enforcement and court records.
