A 40-year-old mother from Kentucky, Zeinad Abdi, has been indicted after allegedly trying to kill her 6-year-old daughter with a hammer, repeatedly striking the child in the head in front of her sibling.
A grand jury in Jefferson County has returned an indictment with charges of criminal attempted murder, first-degree assault, and first-degree criminal abuse of a victim under age 12.
The horrifying attack took place in June 2025, leaving the victim in critical condition and sparking a massive police investigation. Abdi was arrested and has since pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder and domestic violence.
What Happened on June 19, 2025?
On the afternoon of June 19, officers with the Louisville Metro Police Department responded to a distress call at a home on Wilson Avenue. They arrived at around 12:49 p.m. to find the 6-year-old girl lying unconscious and suffering from blunt force trauma to her head.
Authorities reported that the child had sustained multiple skull fractures and brain bleeds from being struck by a hammer. She was immediately rushed to Norton Children’s Hospital, where she was admitted in critical condition.
Because of the severity of the child’s injuries, the homicide unit took over the investigation, and Abdi was later taken into custody.
The Mother’s Admission
In a post-arrest statement, Abdi reportedly admitted to police that she has a history of becoming “extremely angry” and has trouble controlling her emotions.
She confessed that during the incident, she became overwhelmed by anger and struck her daughter in the head with the hammer multiple times, although she could not specify how many times.
Abdi’s son, whose name and age have not been disclosed, provided similar details about the attack. The son said that after the assault, Abdi tried to return to the victim and allegedly said, “Let me finish her,” while he attempted to restrain her.
Community Shocked by the Incident
Neighbors who spoke to local media were horrified by the crime. One neighbor, Donald Edison, said he was deeply disturbed by the news, stating, “I think it’s just terrible. I don’t know what type of pressure the child’s mother is under for her to do something like that.”
Another neighbor, Brittany Lindell, expressed her shock, calling the attack “disgusting” and stating, “I don’t understand how someone could get to that point of anger, especially with an innocent child.”
The Victim’s Recovery
The victim has been released from the hospital and is reportedly staying with family members as she recovers from the traumatic incident. While her physical injuries are severe, her family hopes for her full recovery.
Abdi’s Legal Situation
Abdi remains in custody at the Louisville Metro Detention Center with a $500,000 bond. She is scheduled to appear for her arraignment in Jefferson County Circuit Court on Monday morning, where she will face the charges brought against her.
This tragic and shocking case has left the local community shaken. It underscores the devastating effects of uncontrolled anger and domestic violence, especially when children are involved. As the legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on the victim’s recovery and the serious charges facing Abdi.
