DALLAS, N.C. — A Gaston County woman is facing murder charges for the October 2025 death of Aaliyah Fortner, a nonverbal woman with autism.
The Gaston County District Attorney’s Office charged 59-year-old Marlo Wallace with first-degree murder in Fortner’s death.
Wallace operated from her home on Greenbrook Trail in Dallas. According to the district attorney, Travis Page, police found 23-year-old Fortner dead at this location in October.
Page said there was evidence that Fortner suffered abuse, including being shocked with a taser and beaten with a broom. Page told a judge that some of the abuse was captured on video that Wallace tried to delete.
[ READ MORE >> Mother says she reported abuse years before homicide of nonverbal woman in Dallas home ]
Police originally arrested Wallace with concealment of death from unnatural causes, patient abuse and neglect, and felony assault of an individual with disabilities.
This is a developing story. Check back with wsoctv.com for updates.