A welfare check after an injured woman was found led deputies to her father’s body, sheriff’s officials said.
DAVIDSON COUNTY, N.C. — A stabbing call in Lexington led deputies from an injured woman on Whispering Oak Drive to a nearby Bryant Road home, where they found her father dead, Davidson County officials said.
The sheriff’s office said 20-year-old Maleigha Allen now faces a first-degree murder charge in the death of Michael Allen, 44. Investigators said an autopsy found he died from sharp force trauma, and detectives later determined evidence showed the killing was premeditated.
The case began about 7:20 a.m. April 17, when deputies responded to the Whispering Oak Drive area after a report that a woman had suffered multiple stab wounds. Deputies found Maleigha Allen there and had EMS take her to a hospital. Sheriff Richie Simmons said Allen’s injuries were not considered life-threatening.
Deputies then went to 556 Bryant Road after learning that was Allen’s address and that she had said the incident happened there. Simmons said deputies entered the home to check whether anyone else was hurt. During that sweep, they found Michael Allen dead inside the residence.
Investigators identified Michael Allen as the homeowner and Maleigha Allen’s father. Simmons said she also lived at the home. The sheriff declined to discuss whether deputies had been called to the home before, saying that issue is part of the case. He also declined to release details about weapons or the full sequence of events inside the house.
The autopsy was completed April 20. After the medical examiner ruled Michael Allen’s death a homicide, detectives continued reviewing evidence with prosecutors. Simmons said the Criminal Investigation Division worked closely with the District Attorney’s Office before the decision was made to charge Maleigha Allen with first-degree murder.
Allen was arrested April 21 after leaving the hospital and was booked into the Davidson County Detention Center. Officials said she was given no bond. Sheriff’s officials said she made a first court appearance April 22, and her next court date was scheduled for May 12 in Lexington District Court.
Simmons said investigators believe the case was isolated. “There’s no other threats to our community,” he said. Still, the sheriff’s office said the investigation remains active, and officials have not released a full account of what happened before deputies were called.
The case remains with Davidson County detectives and prosecutors. No further details had been released as of Friday, April 24.
Author note: Last updated Friday, April 24, 2026.