Authorities in southwestern Missouri say a woman accused of stabbing her 4-year-old son in the throat told investigators she planned to kill all 9 of her children.

Doinita Mitaru, 44, made a court appearance Wednesday in Polk County on charges of assault and armed criminal action. She’s jailed on $250,000 bond.

KOLR-TV reports the rural Morrisville woman was arrested Tuesday. Investigators say Mitaru admitted stabbing the 4-year-old around 5 a.m. in an attempt to kill him.

A detective says Mitaru told him she planned to kill all 9 of her children, but could not because some woke up and started screaming.

The 4-year-old was reported in critical condition at a Springfield hospital. The other children range up to 19 years old.

A call to Mitaru’s public defender was not returned Wednesday.