Davidson County investigators said evidence points to a premeditated killing after a welfare check at a Bryant Road home.
LEXINGTON, N.C. — A 20-year-old Lexington woman has been charged with first-degree murder after Davidson County deputies found her father dead inside a Bryant Road home during a stabbing investigation last week, the sheriff’s office said.
Maleigha Allen was arrested after her release from a hospital, where she had been treated for non-life-threatening stab wounds. Investigators said her father, Michael Allen, 44, died from sharp force trauma. An autopsy ruled his death a homicide, and detectives said evidence showed the killing was premeditated.
Deputies and detectives were first called about 7:20 a.m. April 17 to the Whispering Oak Drive area in Lexington for a report of a woman with multiple injuries. Sheriff’s officials said they found Maleigha Allen near an address there and called EMS. Davidson County Sheriff Richie Simmons said Allen told deputies the incident had happened at 556 Bryant Road, prompting deputies to go to that home for a welfare check.
Inside the Bryant Road residence, deputies found Michael Allen dead. Sheriff’s officials identified him as the homeowner and Maleigha Allen’s father. Simmons said the two were the only people at the home and that Maleigha Allen lived there. Officials have not said how she got from the Bryant Road home to the Whispering Oak Drive area.
An autopsy was conducted April 20. Investigators said Michael Allen’s cause of death was sharp force trauma. During a news conference, Simmons said detectives found evidence that revealed the homicide was premeditated, but he declined to describe that evidence because the case remains open.
Maleigha Allen was taken into custody April 21 after she was released from the hospital. She was charged with first-degree murder and placed in the Davidson County Detention Center without bond. Sheriff’s officials said detectives consulted with the District Attorney’s Office before filing the charge.
Simmons said the case appeared to be isolated and that investigators did not believe there was a threat to the wider community. Officials also declined to say whether one weapon or more than one weapon was involved. “Due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, no further information is going to be released at this time,” Simmons said.
Allen’s next court date is set for May 12 in Lexington District Court. The sheriff’s office said any additional information would be released as the investigation allows.
Author note: Last updated Friday, April 24, 2026.