Uniontown, Pennsylvania – Authorities in Fayette County have announced that two foster parents could face the death penalty after being charged with killing a 9-year-old girl and discarding her body in a tote bag along a riverbank. The disturbing case has shocked the community and raised urgent questions about child safety, oversight, and the warning signs of severe abuse.
Incident Overview
Prosecutors confirmed that 31-year-old Kourtney Eutsey and 35-year-old Sarah Shipley are charged with first-degree murder in the death of Renesmay Eutsey, a young child who had been in their care as both a foster child and family member. Authorities allege the two women inflicted prolonged abuse, failed to provide medical care, and ultimately caused Renesmay’s death.
The Fayette County District Attorney’s Office stated that after filing notices of aggravated circumstances, both defendants are now eligible for the death penalty if convicted of the murder charge. The case first came to light on September 3, when Renesmay was reported missing, prompting the Pennsylvania State Police to launch an extensive search. Her body was discovered the next day inside a tote bag along the Youghiogheny River.
Timeline of Events
According to the affidavit and early investigative findings, Renesmay’s disappearance was first treated as a missing child case. As police prepared to search Eutsey’s residence, a young child from the home approached investigators with startling information about what had allegedly happened.
The child reportedly told officers:
“I’m never going to see my baby sister again because she’s in heaven.”
The sibling claimed to have overheard Eutsey and another adult—later identified as Shipley—discussing plans to take Renesmay “far, far away” to a river. This statement ultimately guided investigators during the search, leading to the tragic discovery of the girl’s remains.
The source information was referenced in earlier reporting on the case, which detailed how investigators tracked Renesmay’s last known movements.
Details from the Affidavit and Investigators
The affidavit offers a harrowing description of events within the home. The child witness said she heard the victim screaming and crying before seeing both women allegedly yelling at Renesmay. According to investigators, the witness claimed Eutsey and Shipley “kicked her in the stomach”, a blow that prosecutors believe may have been fatal.
Another chilling statement from the young sibling read:
“Renesmay is dead now. I’m never gonna see her again. I miss her.”
Authorities reported that the girl weighed only 45 pounds at the time of her death and showed signs of severe neglect, abuse, and cigarette burns. One of the burns appeared possibly infected, yet investigators say Renesmay received no medical treatment.
Abuse of Other Children in the Home
Investigators say the abuse extended to multiple children living in the residence. According to law enforcement and medical professionals, the survivors were subjected to treatment described as torture.
Officials documented:
- Missing teeth in two children, reportedly caused by teeth being pulled out with pliers
- An 11-year-old girl who was homeschooled but could not read
- A 6-year-old boy who was chronically malnourished and dehydrated
Doctors confirmed the injuries were consistent with intentional harm, and the children later identified Shipley as the person responsible for pulling their teeth.
All surviving children were immediately placed into the care of another family member following the arrests.
Reaction from the Victim’s Biological Mother
Renesmay’s biological mother, Christina Benedetto, expressed profound anguish upon learning how her daughter’s body had been discarded.
In an emotional interview, she asked:
“Why put her in a tote, in a garbage bag, and throw her away like she didn’t mean anything?”
She added:
“She meant something, at least to us. She meant everything to us.”
Community and Safety Concerns
The case has intensified community discussions around foster-care oversight, mandatory reporting laws, and the need for broader training among neighbors, relatives, and educators who interact with at-risk children.
Child-safety experts note that signs of extreme neglect—such as malnutrition, withdrawal, visible bruising, or sudden isolation—must always be reported immediately. Authorities encourage anyone suspecting abuse to contact local law enforcement or child protective services without delay, as early action can save lives.
Conclusion
As the legal proceedings move forward, prosecutors say they will aggressively pursue justice for Renesmay. Both defendants remain in custody as the community grapples with the details of the case and the systemic failures that may have allowed the abuse to continue unnoticed.
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