Remembering Renesmay: Dunbar park renamed in honor of 9-year-old
Fayette park renamed in honor of 9-year-old
A favorite Fayette County park visited by a 9-year-old girl who was killed one year ago was renamed in her honor in Dunbar Borough on Saturday.
Hundreds turned out at the former Dunbar Park for the dedication of Renesmay’s Park, named for Renesmay Eutsey, whose body was found partially submerged in the Youghiogheny River on Sept. 4, 2015, a day after she had been reported missing.
Sarah Shipley, Renesmay’s court-ordered custodian, and Kourtney Eutsey, a live-in caregiver in a relationship with Shipley, have been charged with her death and are awaiting trial.
Washington County District Attorney Mike Aubele said his office will seek the death penalty against the two women if they are convicted of first-degree murder.
“It’s easily the worst crime I’ve dealt with since I’ve been district attorney, not only that day, but from what I know about Renesmay’s entire life, she was let down by every member of her family,” said Fayette County District Attorney Mike Aubele, who attended the park dedication. “She never had a chance. It’s a very terrible thing that happened, and it’s wonderful that the community is making sure that she’s never forgotten. With the park renaming, the community will always see her name and never forget her.”
Dunbar Borough Mayor Norman Gordon, who served on the event’s planning committee, said Saturday’s Celebration of Life was aimed to honor Renesmay and to raise awareness of child abuse.
“We wanted to do something that kids would enjoy, like Renesmay would have, and the kids had a wonderful time. People from other communities came to memorialize her too, and from the get-go our goal, for me, was to make sure she was not forgotten and also to call attention to child abuse. It’s our responsibility as adults, to pay attention,” said Gordon.
The event included inflatables, a bubble machine, face painting, a balloon artist, food trucks, and food and beverages for kids.
Gordon issued a proclamation declaring Saturday as Renesmay Ann Day. A large stone memorial marker was dedicated in Renesmay’s honor, and signage bearing a photo of the little girl was erected. All of the memorial items were paid for through community donations.
Gordon said he carries guilt about Renesmay’s death because he lived next door to the girl and her family, “but I never saw anything wrong.”
“When I spoke (Saturday), I talked about how important it is for us, as adults, to pay attention to what’s going on. We had no idea how many kids were in the house, or what was going on, even though we lived next door,” said Gordon. “I live with the guilt of wondering if I had paid more attention, if what happened to Renesmay might not have happened. You don’t think things like this will happen in your community, but it did.
“When people wonder why someone didn’t do something, I’m somebody, you’re somebody, we all have the responsibility to protect these children. There are evil monsters out there who want to harm (children) but if we as a community can work together, maybe we can put a halt to this.”
Investigators have reported that Renesmay was subjected to severe child abuse and neglect over a long period of time. The coroner’s office findings confirmed Renesmay died of malnourishment, neglect and blunt force trauma injuries. At her autopsy, Renesmay weighed less than what she did at age 3.
Eutsey and Shipley’s trial is expected start in 2027.
Saturday’s event was marred at one point when a Dunbar councilwoman and one of the event’s organizers became involved in a physical altercation following a dispute.
Aubele said at least one punch was thrown before the borough’s police chief broke up the fight. He said charges stemming from the incident likely will be filed.
Still, the day belonged to preserving the memory of Renesmay, and Gordon said he appreciated “the community support, and the love and concern they showed toward Renesmay.”
“We tried hard to have a nice event that would honor Renesmay and that kids from not just our community, but other communities, could enjoy, and we did that,” said Gordon.