BREAKING: The foster mother of 9-year-old Renesmay Eutsey has been charged with murder following the tragic discovery of the girl’s body in the Youghiogheny River in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. This shocking development comes just days after Renesmay went missing, raising urgent questions about her care.
Authorities confirmed the discovery of Renesmay’s body last week, partially submerged and approximately 20 miles from her home in Dunbar Borough. She was last seen at her residence around 2 a.m. on a Wednesday, yet her foster mother, Kourtney Malinda Eutsey, 31, did not report her missing until after 12:41 p.m. that same day.
As the investigation unfolds, Eutsey has been charged with multiple offenses, including criminal homicide, aggravated assault, and endangering the welfare of children. Fayette County District Attorney Michael Aubele stated that Renesmay’s remains appeared to show signs of severe abuse, including burns, bruises, and malnourishment.
Local reports indicate that investigators tracked a device linked to Renesmay at around 6 a.m. on the day she vanished, intensifying the urgency of the search. Disturbingly, DA Aubele remarked that it was “very apparent that this girl suffered,” highlighting the tragic circumstances surrounding her death.
Eutsey’s wife, Sarah Shipley, has also been charged with criminal homicide and conspiracy to commit homicide. In a somber Facebook statement, DA Aubele detailed the grim findings and urged the community to stay vigilant regarding the welfare of children.
Reports reveal that when questioned by police, Eutsey claimed Renesmay had started choking and she failed to call for help due to fear. She allegedly confessed to placing Renesmay’s body in a bag and disposing of it at the riverbank. As the investigation continues, additional charges are expected concerning another child under Eutsey’s care, a 6-year-old boy who is currently hospitalized showing signs of abuse and neglect.
Christina Benedetto, a local resident, shared that her son remains in stable condition in the hospital, emphasizing the need for immediate action regarding at-risk children. A judge has already ordered the removal of four children from Eutsey’s home, following evaluations that revealed severe abuse and neglect.
This heartbreaking case has ignited intense community outrage and sorrow, underscoring the urgent need for systemic reforms in child welfare. As the investigation develops, more revelations are likely to surface, making this a critical story to follow.
Stay tuned for updates as this tragic situation continues to unfold, impacting lives and raising awareness about child safety.
