A mother in South Carolina was arrested after she allegedly attacked her two kids with a knife, injuring her 6-year-old son so badly that he may be facing an amputation.
Taylor Gosnell has been charged with two counts of attempted murder following the alleged incident, according to Fox Carolina.
Officers with the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office arrested Gosnell, 35, on Saturday, September 26, following allegations that she injured her 3-year-old and 6-year-old children.
A spokesperson for the 7th Circuit Solicitor’s Office said during Gosnell’s bond hearing on Sunday, September 27, that police learned of the incident after receiving a request for a welfare check. Gosnell’s ex-boyfriend reportedly contacted authorities and said that the juveniles “were left home alone unattended.”
Upon their arrival, deputies found the two children “covered in blood” and with “countless lacerations.”
An investigation was launched into the matter, and deputies learned that the children had been attacked the night before authorities were called, according to The State.
It was also noted that the inside of the home was damaged, as police found a broken television and a shattered mirror.
Gosnell allegedly arrived at the house shortly after deputies got there, and she was “speaking rapidly and in a distressing manner.” Authorities then grew concerned when she said she was experiencing “visions.”
The defendant attempted to flee the scene at one point, which led to the authorities handcuffing her to a stretcher, per WYFF. Once she was under control, she was taken to a hospital for a mental evaluation.
After Gosnell was detained, her children were placed in protective custody and received treatment at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center.
While their exact injuries were not revealed, authorities said that both of her children are expected to survive.
Prosecutors claimed during the bond hearing that the children had “very severe injuries,” which included lacerations “so deep [that] they cut to the bone.” The 6-year-old boy’s injuries were so serious that he may need to amputate his fingers and “possibly an arm due to the injuries sustained.”
Gosnell was denied bond, and a circuit court judge has been tasked to determine the next steps in her case.
It’s not currently clear whether Gosnell has entered a plea or retained legal counsel following her arrest. The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office and 7th Circuit Solicitor’s Office did not immediately respond to Us’ requests for comment regarding the case.
If you or someone you know is experiencing child abuse, call or text Child Help Hotline at 1-800-422-4453.
