by Fayette County, PA – Two women in Fayette County, Pennsylvania are facing first-degree murder charges and the potential death penalty after allegedly killing a 9-year-old girl under their care and disposing of her body along a river.
Victim and Alleged Crime
The victim, Renesmay Eutsey, was reported missing on September 3, 2025, prompting a search by the Pennsylvania State Police. Authorities later discovered her body in a bag on the shore of the Youghiogheny River.
The suspects, Kourtney Eutsey, 31, and Sarah Shipley, 35, were both legal guardians of the child. Kourtney Eutsey was a blood relative, foster mother, and caretaker of her own children at the time of the alleged crime. Shipley also served as a legal guardian for Renesmay.
“Because notices of aggravated circumstances were filed, the defendants face the death penalty if convicted,” the Fayette County District Attorney’s Office announced.
Allegations of Abuse and Witness Testimony
Court documents indicate that a small child living in the home approached officers and confessed to hearing about Renesmay’s death.
“I’m never going to see my baby sister again because she’s in heaven,” the child allegedly told investigators, claiming that Kourtney Eutsey killed Renesmay and put her body in a tote.
The sibling stated that she overheard conversations between Kourtney Eutsey and Shipley about transporting Renesmay’s body to a river “far, far away.” Investigators allege that the child witnessed physical abuse, including being kicked in the stomach and yelled at, which ultimately led to Renesmay’s death.
Renesmay was reported to weigh just 45 pounds when found, with evidence of abuse, neglect, and cigarette burns, one of which may have been infected. The child reportedly never received medical treatment for these injuries.
Abuse Extended to Other Children
Authorities say the alleged abuse at the home was not limited to Renesmay. Other children reportedly suffered severe neglect and torture:
- Two children had teeth pulled with pliers, reportedly by Shipley, according to local ABC affiliate WTAE.
- An 11-year-old girl was unable to read despite being homeschooled.
- A 6-year-old boy was chronically malnourished and dehydrated.
All surviving children have been placed under the care of another family member.
Family Reaction
Renesmay’s biological mother, Christina Benedetto, expressed heartbreak and disbelief at the alleged treatment of her daughter.
“Why put her in a tote, in a garbage bag, and throw her away like she didn’t mean anything?” Benedetto asked in an interview with KDKA.
“She meant something, at least to us. She meant everything to us.”
Legal Proceedings
Kourtney Eutsey and Sarah Shipley are both charged with first-degree murder. The filing of aggravated circumstances opens the possibility for the death penalty if convicted. Investigations into the home and the defendants’ treatment of other children are ongoing.
Do you think the death penalty is justified in cases of extreme child abuse? Share your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation.
