A Mississippi mother of four was shot and Thurston Cartekilled by the father of her child while her newborn was at home, authorities said.

The Tunica County Sheriff’s Office said they responded to a 911 call from someone who said a child from a neighboring home came over and said their mother was shot inside their apartment at around 9:50 p.m. on Friday.

When police arrived to the home in Robinsonville, 30 miles south of Memphis, Tennessee, they heard additional shots fired inside the apartment, and found two more kids outside the home.

Detectives on the scene learned that a man and woman, as well as a newborn were occupying the home.

They evacuated nearby homes and called the man inside the apartment and were able to get him to leave his weapon and go outside. The man was identified as Donald Demario Patrick, 37, who faces charges including murder and possession of a stolen firearm, online records showed Monday morning.

Newborn was unharmed

Patrick told deputies that he killed child's mother Shaterica Queshun Bell, 34, and a newborn was still inside the apartment, the sheriff's office said.

Deputies found Bell with a gunshot wound, and she was pronounced dead on the scene. The newborn was found unharmed.

"Our hearts are heavy today for this family. Please keep their children in your prayers," the sheriff's office said.

Patrick is being held at the Tunica County Detention Center, pending charges. An investigation into the shooting is ongoing.