In the quiet community of Hot Springs, Virginia, six-year-old Abigail Grace Hise, known affectionately as 'Abby,' was a happy child who found joy in riding her bike, drawing, and playing with her younger brother. A kindergartener at Valley Elementary School, she was a beloved presence in her community, often spending cheerful days swimming and playing at Lake Moomaw.
Her life, however, came to a sudden and tragic end on Saturday, February 4, 2017.
That evening, the Bath County Sheriff's Office received a series of strange 911 calls. The female caller, later identified as Abigail's 27-year-old mother, Darla Elizabeth Hise, was cryptic and refused to provide her name or address, only stating that she believed her daughter had been shot. Deputies were dispatched to the area where the calls originated and eventually located Darla Hise. She led them to her home on Billy Goat Lane, where they made a devastating discovery. Abigail was found deceased, having been killed by a shotgun. Her three-year-old brother was also in the house but was physically unharmed and was subsequently placed in the care of family members.
Darla Hise was arrested at the scene and charged with first-degree murder. The investigation that followed uncovered a bizarre and disturbing motive. According to court documents, Darla Hise told investigators that she believed her daughter and son were in danger from aliens. She claimed that by killing Abigail, she was sending her to heaven to save her. This explanation was part of a broader psychosis that her attorney argued was fueled by significant drug use. Testing revealed that she had used methamphetamines, amphetamines, and marijuana. At the hospital following her arrest, she was diagnosed with 'possible drug-induced psychosis vs PTSD psychosis.'
Her attorney filed a motion to suppress her statements to the police, arguing that her intoxicated and delusional state prevented her from knowingly waiving her Miranda rights. He also requested a change of venue for her trial, which was scheduled for August 23, 2017, citing the intense passion and prejudice the case had stirred within the small community. Darla Hise was held without bond at the Western Virginia Regional Jail. In addition to first-degree murder, she faced charges of attempted murder, two counts of using a firearm, possession of methamphetamine, and having a firearm while in possession of drugs.
