A Durham mother is being held without bond after authorities say she killed one of her young sons and critically injured another inside the family’s home — a case that has gripped the community not only for its tragedy but for the anguished plea delivered by her husband in open court.
According to the Durham Police Department, officers were dispatched to a residence in Durham around 5:30 p.m. on Feb. 12 after receiving a call reporting children in medical distress. When officers arrived, they found two boys under the age of 5 unresponsive inside the home.
Both children were transported to a local hospital. One child later died from his injuries, authorities confirmed. The second child survived and is expected to make a full physical recovery, according to statements made in court by the children’s father.
Andrea Faust, 41, was arrested at the scene and charged with one count of first-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder.
A Courtroom Plea
Faust’s first court appearance unfolded under unusual and deeply emotional circumstances. Originally scheduled to appear in person on Feb. 16, she instead addressed the court virtually from a hospital bed after what her husband described as a suicide attempt.
During the hearing, her husband, Eric Faust, made a direct and public appeal to his wife.
“Andrea, I’m begging you, please no more attempts to harm yourself,” he said, according to coverage by WTVD and WNCN. “Work with your doctors. Work with anything you can. And I promise you, if you do that, I will let you know how [the surviving child] is doing as often as I can.”
He described the episode as “a complete mental health crisis,” telling the court that the actions alleged by investigators were not representative of the woman he married.
“Anyone will tell you what a tremendous mother Andrea was,” he said. “These were not the actions of my wife.”
A Community in Shock
Neighbors interviewed by local outlets described the family as quiet and attentive. Several said they were stunned by the news, calling it “unbelievable” and describing Faust as caring and devoted to her children.
Durham County court records show that a judge denied Faust bond and ordered that she receive mental health services while in custody. She is scheduled to appear again in court on March 3.
Under North Carolina law, first-degree murder is a Class A felony, the most serious criminal offense in the state. If convicted, a defendant faces life imprisonment without parole or, in certain circumstances, the death penalty. Prosecutors have not publicly indicated whether capital punishment will be pursued.
Mental Health and the Criminal Courts
The case has reopened difficult conversations about mental illness, crisis intervention and the intersection of behavioral health and criminal law.
North Carolina courts may order psychiatric evaluations when questions arise about a defendant’s competency to stand trial — a legal standard that focuses on whether an accused person understands the proceedings and can assist in their defense. Judges may also consider mental health evidence during sentencing if a conviction occurs.
While investigators have not publicly detailed what led to the children’s injuries, Eric Faust urged the public to reflect on the importance of mental health support.
“Anybody watching this news, just take a moment to assess where you are mentally, where your family is mentally,” he said in court. “Mental health is a very important thing. Please, just make sure everyone’s OK.”
According to national data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, mental health crises within households can escalate rapidly without intervention, particularly when compounded by stress, sleep deprivation or untreated psychiatric conditions. Experts note, however, that the overwhelming majority of individuals experiencing mental illness are not violent — a distinction advocates say is critical to avoid stigma.
A Family Forever Changed
Authorities have not released the name of the child who died. In cases involving minors, law enforcement agencies often withhold identifying details to protect surviving family members.
As the legal process moves forward, the surviving child remains in the care of family members, according to statements made in court. No additional details about custody arrangements have been made public.
For Durham — a city that has in recent years invested in co-responder models pairing law enforcement with mental health professionals — the case underscores both the urgency and the limits of crisis response systems once violence has already occurred.
The Bull City Citizen will continue to follow this case, including court proceedings, competency determinations and any additional findings released by investigators. As always, we are committed to reporting with care and context in cases involving children and allegations of domestic violence.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day.
