Pennsylvania Foster Parents Accused of Killing 9-Year-Old Girl and Dumping Her Body in a Tote Bag Now Facing Possible Death Penalty
PENNSYLVANIA — Two foster parents accused of brutally killing a 9-year-old girl and abandoning her body in a tote bag along a riverbank are now facing the possibility of the death penalty, prosecutors announced this week.
Officials in Fayette County filed notices of aggravated circumstances against 31-year-old Kourtney Eutsey and 35-year-old Sarah Shipley, both charged with first-degree murder in the death of Renesmay Eutsey — a child they were legally responsible for protecting.
Child’s Body Found Stuffed in a Bag Along Riverbank
Renesmay was reported missing on Sept. 3, sparking a large law-enforcement search. The next day, Pennsylvania State Police discovered her body inside a tote bag along the Youghiogheny River, confirming investigators’ worst fears.
Prosecutors say the victim weighed just 45 pounds, showing obvious signs of abuse, malnourishment, and neglect. Court records describe cigarette burns — one possibly infected — and evidence the child never received medical care.
The Fayette County district attorney said the severity of the abuse, combined with the murder charge, justified pursuing the death penalty for both defendants.
Sibling Revealed Horrific Details of Abuse Inside the Home
While officers prepared to search the family home, a young child approached police, apologizing for “not telling the truth” about what happened to Renesmay.
The child told officers:
“I’m never going to see my baby sister again because she’s in heaven.”
According to the affidavit, the sibling said Eutsey and Shipley kicked Renesmay in the stomach while yelling at her, and later discussed taking her body to a river “far, far away.”
The child described hearing screams, entering the room, and realizing Renesmay needed help — but it was too late.
Other Children in the Home Also Allegedly Tortured
Investigators say the abuse extended far beyond Renesmay.
Doctors discovered:
- Two children missing teeth allegedly pulled out with pliers
- An 11-year-old who could not read despite being homeschooled
- A 6-year-old boy who was severely malnourished and dehydrated
Authorities described the environment as torture, noting that the children were isolated and denied basic care.
All remaining children have since been placed with another family member.
Relatives Devastated: “Why throw her away like she meant nothing?”
Renesmay’s biological mother, Christina Benedetto, expressed heartbreak and disbelief during an interview with CBS affiliate KDKA.
“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.”
Eutsey — a blood relative of the victim — had been the girl’s foster mother and legal guardian. Shipley was also listed as a guardian at the time of the child’s death.
Both women remain in custody as they await trial.
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