A woman who was fostering a child has been charged with murder following the tragic discovery of a nine-year-old girl’s body in a river about 20 miles away from their residence. The incident took place in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, where Renesmay Eutsey’s lifeless body was found in the Youghiogheny River near Smithton.
The young girl had been reported missing on a Wednesday after being last seen at home around 2 am. However, her foster mother, Kourtney Malinda Eutsey, did not report her disappearance until 12:41 pm the same day. Eutsey, aged 31, now faces serious charges including criminal homicide, aggravated assault, and endangering the welfare of children.
Reports indicated that investigators tracked a device believed to belong to Renesmay on the day she vanished, locating her 20 miles away from her home in Dunbar Borough. District Attorney Michael Aubele mentioned that the girl’s remains showed signs of burns, bruises, and malnourishment.
Further charges have been brought against Eutsey, including abuse of a corpse, tampering with evidence, and concealing the death of a child. Additionally, Eutsey’s wife, Sarah Shipley, has also been charged with criminal homicide and conspiracy to commit criminal homicide in connection to the tragic event.
During police interrogation, Eutsey allegedly claimed that the girl had choked after vomiting, and she attempted to help her before her death. She admitted to not contacting the authorities out of fear, mentioning the child’s previous injuries from a week earlier.
It was revealed that a six-year-old boy under their care also displayed signs of neglect and abuse. The boy, one of four children removed from their home, is currently receiving medical attention in a local hospital. Authorities are expected to file more charges against Eutsey and her wife related to the care of the young boy.
The tragic incident has shocked the community, and the investigation continues to unfold as more details emerge regarding the circumstances surrounding the young girl’s death and the welfare of the children involved.
