Louisville Mother Charged with Attempted Murder After 6-Year-Old Daughter Brutally Attacked with Hammer

LOUISVILLE, KY — June 20, 2025 — A community is reeling after a horrifying act of domestic violence left a 6-year-old girl fighting for her life and her mother behind bars. Louisville Metro Police have arrested 40-year-old Zeinab Abdi, who is now facing an attempted murder charge after allegedly striking her young daughter in the head multiple times with a hammer.

The incident unfolded shortly before 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, in the city’s Park Duvalle neighborhood, a quiet residential area that was shaken by the violent assault. According to the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD), officers were dispatched to a “trouble run” after a disturbing call for help was placed. When officers arrived, they found a young girl inside a home suffering from severe blunt-force trauma to the head.

Emergency responders acted quickly, rushing the critically injured child to Norton Children’s Hospital. As of Friday morning, the 6-year-old remains in critical condition, and medical staff are closely monitoring her prognosis. Hospital officials have not released her name, citing the child’s age and the ongoing investigation.

Court documents and an arrest citation obtained by local media provide chilling details about what transpired. Investigators say Zeinab Abdi admitted to attacking her daughter during a violent outburst. The mother reportedly confessed that she “frequently becomes extremely angry and has difficulty controlling herself.” During an interview with police, Abdi admitted she “became overly angry” and struck her daughter in the head with a hammer — though she could not specify the number of times she hit her.

Authorities have not yet confirmed what prompted the rage-fueled incident or whether there were any warning signs in the hours or days leading up to the attack. However, sources close to the investigation say the case may be connected to a broader pattern of mental health concerns and potential past family interventions.

Neighbors expressed horror and heartbreak as news of the assault spread. One local resident, who asked not to be named, said, “We’re just in shock. You never expect something like this to happen right down the street. That little girl didn’t deserve this. We’re praying she makes it.”

Abdi was taken into custody at the scene without incident. She is currently being held at Louisville Metro Corrections and has been charged with attempted murder – domestic violence. She is expected to appear in court for arraignment this weekend.

Child protective services have also been notified, and officials say they are working to ensure the safety and welfare of the victim and any other potential children in the household. Investigators have not disclosed whether other children were present in the home at the time of the incident.

As the investigation continues, many in the Louisville community are demanding answers — and help — for families in crisis.

“This is a tragic reminder of how serious mental health and domestic violence issues can become if they go unchecked,” said a spokesperson for a local women’s shelter. “We need to do more as a society to support parents who are struggling before something this devastating occurs.”

Authorities are asking anyone with additional information about the incident or the family’s history to come forward. The LMPD continues to investigate the case, and updates will be provided as new developments arise.

Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or domestic violence is encouraged to seek help. Resources include the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) and the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

As a young child clings to life, a city mourns and hopes — for recovery, for justice, and for healing in the wake of a tragedy no child should ever endure.

LOUISVILLE, KY — June 20, 2025 — A community is reeling after a horrifying act of domestic violence left a 6-year-old girl fighting for her life and her mother behind bars. Louisville Metro Police have arrested 40-year-old Zeinab Abdi, who is now facing an attempted murder charge after allegedly striking her young daughter in the head multiple times with a hammer.

The incident unfolded shortly before 1 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, in the city’s Park Duvalle neighborhood, a quiet residential area that was shaken by the violent assault. According to the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD), officers were dispatched to a “trouble run” after a disturbing call for help was placed. When officers arrived, they found a young girl inside a home suffering from severe blunt-force trauma to the head.

Emergency responders acted quickly, rushing the critically injured child to Norton Children’s Hospital. As of Friday morning, the 6-year-old remains in critical condition, and medical staff are closely monitoring her prognosis. Hospital officials have not released her name, citing the child’s age and the ongoing investigation.

Court documents and an arrest citation obtained by local media provide chilling details about what transpired. Investigators say Zeinab Abdi admitted to attacking her daughter during a violent outburst. The mother reportedly confessed that she “frequently becomes extremely angry and has difficulty controlling herself.” During an interview with police, Abdi admitted she “became overly angry” and struck her daughter in the head with a hammer — though she could not specify the number of times she hit her.

Authorities have not yet confirmed what prompted the rage-fueled incident or whether there were any warning signs in the hours or days leading up to the attack. However, sources close to the investigation say the case may be connected to a broader pattern of mental health concerns and potential past family interventions.

Neighbors expressed horror and heartbreak as news of the assault spread. One local resident, who asked not to be named, said, “We’re just in shock. You never expect something like this to happen right down the street. That little girl didn’t deserve this. We’re praying she makes it.”

Abdi was taken into custody at the scene without incident. She is currently being held at Louisville Metro Corrections and has been charged with attempted murder – domestic violence. She is expected to appear in court for arraignment this weekend.

Child protective services have also been notified, and officials say they are working to ensure the safety and welfare of the victim and any other potential children in the household. Investigators have not disclosed whether other children were present in the home at the time of the incident.

As the investigation continues, many in the Louisville community are demanding answers — and help — for families in crisis.

“This is a tragic reminder of how serious mental health and domestic violence issues can become if they go unchecked,” said a spokesperson for a local women’s shelter. “We need to do more as a society to support parents who are struggling before something this devastating occurs.”

Authorities are asking anyone with additional information about the incident or the family’s history to come forward. The LMPD continues to investigate the case, and updates will be provided as new developments arise.

Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis or domestic violence is encouraged to seek help. Resources include the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) and the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.

As a young child clings to life, a city mourns and hopes — for recovery, for justice, and for healing in the wake of a tragedy no child should ever endure.