Mother, 44, and her 25-year-old son arrested for incest
The son also faces charges of indecent liberties with a child
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A 44-year-old mother and her 25-year-old son have been arrested on charges of incest.
Melissa Nell Kitchens, 44, from Weaverville, North Carolina, and her son Shaun Thomas Pfiffer, 25, from Arden, North Carolina, have been arrested on allegations that they had sex in August, WCNC.com reports.
Ms Kitchens is facing one charge of incest, according to Buncome County Sheriff’s Office arrest warrants.
Mr Pfiffer is being held on a $70,500 (£53,000) bail, according to New York Daily News. He is facing charges of incest, communicating threats, indecent liberties with a child and being intoxicated and disruptive.
Mr Pfiffer's Facebook profile, which describes himself as 'married', features photos of his mother and of a baby that is understood to be his son.
In February this year Ms Kitchens left a long comment on a photo of Mr Pfiffer and the baby, which commented on the child's likeness to her son and said: "Can't get over how handsome you are and I'm about to cry [...] things are very stressful and I love you and respect any decision - as long as you're happy and safe [...] I miss you and wish I had more time with you [...] I love you Shaun and hoping life can give mom and break and you [...] we all need a lot of happiness [...] I've been feeling really bad tonight - just wish the lemons will go away and bring nothing but sunshine and happiness [...] love this pic!".
Ms Kitchens has had one court appearance and is scheduled to reappear on 29 September at Buncombe County District court. She is being held on $5,000 (£3,757) bail.
The pair face up to three years in jail for the charges of incest alone.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.