9-Year-Old Renesmay Eutsey Found Dead in Youghiogheny River; Adoptive Parent Charged
SMITHTON, Pa. – A heartbreaking tragedy has shaken the community after the disappearance of 9-year-old Renesmay Eutsey, who was found dead Thursday in the Youghiogheny River, just a day after being reported missing.
State police confirmed that Renesmay’s body was discovered partially submerged near Smithton, roughly 30 miles from where she was initially reported missing. The devastating discovery prompted authorities to cancel the missing person alert that had been issued only hours earlier.
Timeline of Disappearance
Investigators say Renesmay was last seen around 2 a.m. on Wednesday. However, police were not notified until nearly 1 p.m. that same day, a delay of more than 11 hours that has raised troubling questions.
Authorities immediately launched a search, but by Thursday, the case had turned into a homicide investigation following the discovery of her body in the river.
Adoptive Parent Charged
The child’s adoptive parent, 31-year-old Kourtney Malinda Eutsey of Dunbar, has been arrested and charged with criminal homicide in connection with Renesmay’s death.
Law enforcement officials have not yet disclosed the details surrounding the circumstances of the child’s death or the evidence that led to the charges, but they confirmed that Kourtney Eutsey is currently being held in custody.
Community Reaction
The news of Renesmay’s death has left residents of Fayette and Westmoreland Counties deeply shaken. Vigils are already being planned as neighbors, friends, and strangers alike struggle to process the tragic loss of a young girl whose life ended far too soon.
Community leaders and advocates have also expressed outrage over the case, emphasizing the importance of accountability and calling for more oversight and protections for vulnerable children.
Ongoing Investigation
State police and child protective services are now working together to piece together the timeline of events leading up to Renesmay’s disappearance and death. Investigators are focusing not only on the circumstances of the homicide but also on the delayed reporting of her disappearance.
Authorities have asked anyone with information regarding Renesmay’s final hours or who may have seen suspicious activity in the Smithton area to contact state police immediately.
Remembering Renesmay
Though only 9 years old, Renesmay is being remembered as a bright, loving child whose life was filled with potential. Friends and relatives described her as joyful and kind, with a smile that could light up a room.
Her tragic death has left family members and the community at large grappling with grief while demanding justice.