A South Carolina mother, Taylor Gosnell, 35, has been charged with two counts of attempted murder after her two children, ages 3 and 6, were found with severe lacerations following a welfare check. Prosecutors say some wounds reached bone and the 6-year-old may require amputation. Gosnell was restrained, taken for a mental evaluation and denied bond; her next court date is Nov. 12.
6-Year-Old May Face Amputation After Alleged Knife Attack; Mother Charged With Attempted Murder
Taylor GosnellCredit: Spartanburg Detention Center
A South Carolina woman has been arrested and charged after police say she allegedly attacked her two young children with a knife and a blunt object, leaving them with severe lacerations.
What Happened
According to the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office, 35-year-old Taylor Gosnell was arrested on Saturday, Sept. 26 and faces two counts of attempted murder. The alleged victims are her children, ages 3 and 6. Deputies were called to a home on the 1400 block of Bud Arthur Bridge Road after Gosnell's ex-boyfriend requested a welfare check for the juveniles.
Condition Of The Children
When deputies entered the residence they found the siblings "covered in blood" with numerous lacerations. Prosecutors described some wounds as so deep they reached bone, and said the 6-year-old may require amputation of fingers and possibly part of an arm. Both children were taken to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center and are expected to survive.
Taylor GosnellCredit: Spartanburg Detention Center
Investigation And Arrest
Investigators say the injuries occurred the night before officers were called. Inside the home, deputies also observed property damage, including a broken television and a shattered mirror. Gosnell reportedly returned to the home shortly after deputies arrived and was observed "speaking rapidly and in a distressing manner," saying she was experiencing "visions." She allegedly attempted to leave the scene and was restrained.
Authorities: Gosnell was handcuffed to a stretcher and taken for a mental health evaluation while the children were placed in protective custody.
Legal Status
Gosnell was denied bond at a Sept. 27 hearing. Prosecutors said she has no prior criminal record, and a circuit court judge will address next steps at a later date. If convicted on the two attempted murder counts, she could face a combined maximum sentence of up to 60 years in prison. Her next scheduled court date is Nov. 12.
The Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office and the 7th Circuit Solicitor's Office did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment.
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