Fayette County, PA – A Pennsylvania foster mother is facing multiple criminal charges after authorities say she allegedly disposed of a 9-year-old girl’s body in a tote bag along the Youghiogheny River. The child, Renesmay Eutsey, had been in the foster mother’s custody since 2019.
The foster mom, Kourtney Eutsey, 31, has been charged with homicide, abuse of a corpse, and endangering the welfare of a child, according to the criminal complaint obtained Thursday. Police say the alleged disposal was done “like she was garbage”, shocking both the family and the local community.
Alleged Discovery and Missing Child Report
Renesmay was reported missing on Wednesday, prompting the Pennsylvania State Police to launch a search. Eutsey, a blood relative of Renesmay, was also caring for her own children—ages 7, 4, and 2—at the time of the incident.
While preparing to search Eutsey’s home, police say a small child approached investigators and apologized for not telling the truth about what had happened to Renesmay. The child reportedly said,
“I’m never going to see my baby sister again because she’s in heaven.”
The child alleged that Eutsey killed Renesmay and placed her body in a tote bag before dumping it along the riverbank.
Alleged Abuse and Disposal of the Child
The affidavit claims that Eutsey and another adult were yelling at Renesmay and allegedly kicked her in the stomach. A sibling reportedly overheard conversations about taking Renesmay to a river “far, far away.”
Officials say Renesmay weighed just 45 pounds when found on Thursday, and her body showed signs of abuse and neglect, including cigarette burns, one of which may have become infected without medical attention.
According to the affidavit, Eutsey admitted she was afraid to call 911 due to concern over the child’s injuries and appearance. She allegedly placed Renesmay in a black bag, which was then put inside a tote, carried it to her vehicle—a dark blue Kia Sorento with Pennsylvania registration MSD3655—and drove to a remote area along the river. There, the child’s body was allegedly dumped along the shore bank.
Investigation and Family Statements
Renesmay’s biological mother, Christina Benedetto, expressed heartbreak over the alleged incident:
“Why put her in a tote, in a garbage bag, and throw her away like she didn’t mean anything? She meant everything to us.”
Authorities have removed Eutsey’s three biological children from her home. They are now under the care of another relative.
Police continue to investigate the exact circumstances of Renesmay’s death, and cause of death has not yet been released by local officials.
Next Steps
Kourtney Eutsey remains in custody pending further legal proceedings. Authorities are reviewing statements from the sibling and other witnesses as part of the ongoing investigation. Officials are urging the public to report any suspected child abuse and are reminding families of available child welfare resources.
Share your thoughts on this heartbreaking case in the comments below and stay updated as more information becomes available from Fayette County authorities.
