Pennsylvania – A Pennsylvania woman was taken into custody last week and charged with criminaI homicide, abuse of a c0rpse, endangering the weIfare of chiIdren, aggravated assauIt, tampering with evidence, and conceaIing the death of a chiId. These charges stem from the death of a chiId in her care, who was found partially submerged in a local ri ver, approximately 20 miles from her home in Pennsylvania.
The victim, 9-year-old Renismay, had been reported missing earlier this month, with her foster parent, 31-year-old K. Etsey, claiming the chiId had choked on vomit and died. The defendant also stated she attempted CPR for 20 to 30 minutes but did not seek medical help due to concerns about the child’s previous burn injury and malnutrition. She then allegedly placed the victim’s body in a black bag and drove to the local river, where she disposed of the body.
However, Pennsylvania authorities discovered evidence contradicting the defendant’s account. Statements from other children in the home revealed signs of abuse and neglect, including malnutrition, bruises, and cigarette burns on the child”s body. One child reported hearing plans to take the child “far, far away” and witnessed the woman and another adult yelling at and kicking the victim. Another child described seeing the victim in a bag with white lips, appearing as though she were sleeping.
The victim’s biological mother, Cristina, expressed disbelief and heartbreak upon learning of her child’s death. She revealed that the defendant, a bIood reIative, had been caring for the victim and her three siblings since 2019. The mother admitted she had made mistakes and left her children with family members while trying to get back on her feet. She emphasized that the victim would not have left her siblings by choice.
In addition to the charges related to the child’s death, the defendant and her partner, 35-year-old S. ShipIey, who was also charged with homicide and conspiracy to commit homicide, are facing further allegations. Pennsylvania authorities reported that a 6-year-old child in their care was found to be severely malnourished and showed signs of abuse. The child had a purported body mass index of zero and is currently recovering in the hospital. All four children from the home have been removed and placed in foster care outside of the county and their immediate family.
The defendant remains in custody without bail as the investigation continues. The District Attorney’s Office has indicated that additional charges may be forthcoming as they further examine the circumstances surrounding the victim’s death and the treatment of other children in the home.