Pennsylvania Mother Charged with Homicide After Missing 9-Year-Old Adopted Daughter Found Dead in River

9-year-old Renesmay Eutsey

A Pennsylvania woman has been charged with criminal homicide after her 9-year-old adopted daughter, who was initially reported missing, was found dead in the Youghiogheny River early Thursday morning.

State Police confirmed that the body of Renesmay Eutsey was discovered partially submerged near Smithton in Westmoreland County around 3:30 a.m. The child had been reported missing just after 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, though investigators later determined she had actually disappeared hours earlier, around 6 a.m.

“We believe she was using some electronic devices around 5:30 to 5:41 this morning from the residence,” said State Police Sgt. Rickey Stizer during a press briefing.

The girl’s adoptive mother, 31-year-old Kourtney Malinda Eutsey, has been arrested and charged in connection with the death. Fayette County District Attorney Michael Aubele said Kourtney Eutsey misled investigators and withheld crucial information during the search for Renesmay.

“It is very frustrating. We had a lot of search teams out. We had a lot of people looking for this girl. A lot of false hope,” Aubele said.

Authorities have not released the official cause of death, but Aubele stated it is evident that Renesmay was abused. The child appeared to be malnourished and was found with multiple bruises and cigarette burns on her body.

Children & Youth Services have since intervened, and all other children in the home have been removed for their safety.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue gathering evidence surrounding the child’s death.