A 9-year old girl has been charged with first-degree assault after she allegedly beat her 4-year old brother to death with a broomstick. The young boy’s aunt, who was his legal guardian, was also charged with aggravated child abuse.

Court documents revealed that the 4-year old’s aunt Yolanda Coale, 53, heard children screaming on Thursday as she woke up in the Mobile, Alabama home. Coale told officers she saw the 9-year old girl beating her little brother with a broomstick.

When officers arrived they found the young child injured and unresponsive. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Local outlet WPMI confirmed that a criminal complaint stated the 9-year old “did willfully torture, willfully abuse ad cruelly beat” her brother. Authorities also discovered that the young boy had other injuries on his body that indicated he suffered long-term abuse.

Neighbors and friends said they never saw this coming. The family seemed very pleasant and their homes were clean. They also said many kids go to the family’s home to play.

I’m unaware of any abuse that Ms. Coale could be accused of,” said a friend. “I’ve never seen her be aggressive to anyone. To me, her children, her grandchildren.” 

Coale was arrested the day after the incident. She had a hearing on Wednesday and her bail is set at $150,000.

If she makes bail, she will be monitored electronically and is ordered not to have any contact with children.

Here’s more on the story from WKRG.