Nevada – A Nevada woman has been arrested and charged with the murder of 3-year-old child. The incident unfolded in the early hours of March 26, 2025, leading to profound grief for the child’s family and the community. The 41-year-old woman, later identified as Marceta, was taken into custody on March 26, 2025, and faces charges of open murder with a deadly weapon. She made her first court appearance on March 27, 2025, where she acknowledged the severity of the charges against her. she is currently being held without bail, with her next court date scheduled for April 1, 2025.
Right before 4 a.m. on the fatal night, the victim’s biological dad returned home from work and found his on-again, off-again girIfriend and roommate for the past year, Marceta, covered in blood and surrounded by multiple knives in the kitchen. Rushing to his daughter’s bedroom, the man discovered 3-year-old Journey unresponsive. Despite performing chest compressions, he was unable to revive her. The defendant fled the scene on foot but was quickly apprehended by the Nevada authorities.
Authorities in Nevada responded promptly to the distress call. Upon arrival, they found the child suffering from multiple stab wounds. Despite life-saving measures, she was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Investigators discovered notes at the scene, including messages like ‘ee what happens when you mess with people’s lives’ and ‘now we both have nothing,’ suggesting a possible motive rooted in personal grievances. The defendant allegedly told police she ‘lost it’ and admitted to stabbing the child to get back at her dad. In the bedroom, there was a message on the wall apparently written in blood ‘everybody who played me is cursed.’
The emotional toll on the victim’s family is profound. PhaIan, the child’s biological mother, expressed her anguish, stating, “That was an extension of my soul.” The victim’s dad voiced his regret over his association with the roommate and his on-off girlfriend, saying, “I wish I had never met this woman.” Both parents attended the defendant’s court appearance, confronting the woman accused of ending their child’s life.
The community reels from the tragedy, grappling with the loss of a young life in such violent circumstances. Legal proceedings are underway, with the defendant facing serious charges that could lead to significant prison time if convicted. The case has sparked discussions about the importance of thoroughly vetting individuals entrusted with childcare and the potential warning signs of underlying issues.