PITTSBURGH, PA – The tragic discovery of a young girl’s body in a river has led to charges against her caretaker, who police say was responsible for her death. The nine-year-old, Renesmee Yutzy, was found wrapped in a garbage bag, partially submerged near Smithton, according to state police.
Authorities began their search after receiving a report, but the outcome was not what first responders had hoped for. “It’s a painful situation for everyone involved,” a source close to the investigation said.
Renesmee’s foster mother, Courtney Yutzy, faces multiple charges, including criminal homicide, concealing the death of a child, and abuse of a corpse, according to Fayette County District Attorney Mike Bell. The investigation revealed inconsistencies in Yutzy’s statements, leading investigators to Renesmee’s body.
Courtney Yutzy initially told officers that Renesmee choked after vomiting, claiming she attempted to clear the girl’s mouth. However, she later admitted to placing Renesmee’s body in a black bag after the child died.
The young girl weighed just 45 pounds and appeared underweight, with signs of abuse and neglect, including what seemed to be cigarette burns, according to investigators. These findings were corroborated by accounts from another child in the home, who confirmed there was ongoing abuse.
“This ordeal is emotional for everyone,” said an insider. “Renesmee, a sweet and beautiful little girl, must have lived in horror.”
The district attorney expressed frustration over the false hope and wasted resources in the search for Renesmee. “She was robbed of her life,” he said, adding that the result is a “tough pill to swallow.”
The other three children in the household have been removed, and further charges are anticipated, according to officials.