GUILTY KY - Serenity Ann McKinney, 4, found deceased, mom & bf refusing to cooperate, Shelby Co, 24 Dec 2020 *Arrests, 1 guilty*

[Knox]

What a sad and completely avoidable outcome for this child. I always wonder what flawed mental process causes one or both parents to kill their child rather than put them up for adoption.

I agree with you @Trackergd. More often now though, it seems to be a bio parent failing to protect their child from a non-related person they are in a relationship with. Do you remember Dr. Laura? She was criticized for saying a parent with minor children shouldn't date. While I think that's an extreme stance to take straight across the board, I have mused if that was applied in all the cases we see here at WS- just how many children would still be alive today.

I dated with minor children after a divorce, we've been married 32 years this year. So, that can't be applied across the board, I know this. But how do you reach/educate the vulnerable parents we see in this forum, who can't seem to navigate having a safe relationship for their child's sake? It's heartbreaking and the agencies responsible, seem to have failures time and again as well.

 

[PommyMommy]

FEB 21, 2022
Murder charges filed in Bullitt County against couple in death of 4-year-old (wave3.com)
[...]

Pam Darnall, the CEO and President of Family and Children’s Place, told WAVE News it’s more common for children Serenity’s age and younger to die from child abuse or neglect because they’re not able to speak up for themselves.

While police have not indicated whether Serenity was abused prior to her death, Darnall said it’s important adults know the signs just in case, including bruising on the torso, neck, or ears, and changes in behavior.

[...]

“You may not be the only person making the call, but if others are making the call about suspicions, piecing it all together could be what really helps that child,” Darnall said. “You don’t have to have all the information.”

[...]

Vigil planned for 4-year-old Kentucky girl found dead after a year missing | News | wdrb.com
[...]

Family members are planning the vigil, which will take place 2 p.m. Sunday at Clear Creek Park in Shelby County.


The community is invited to attend the ceremony.

 

[Clawdia]

It seems like somebody knew something and spoke, at least according to what is reported by the daily mail (which cites The Sun.... so IDK) I have heard this from a couple YT commentators but I have not found other more official mentions of it
[Kentucky police recover body of 4-year-old girl who had been missing for more than a year | Daily Mail Online]

'Days before police's discovery of the body, the girl's father, DJ reportedly received text messages from an unidentified source saying that they knew where S was, cryptically claiming that she was in a suitcase, the Sun reported.

'I know someone who knows where your daughter is,' the first unprompted message read.

DJ proceeded to question the unidentified tipster, threatening to get police involved and trying to call the number to no avail, who then responded with a chilling, typo-laden declaration as to Serenity's whereabouts.

'From what I kno, she's in a suitcase,' the sender's second message read.'

Edit: names

 

[tlcya]

Even though I knew this was the likely outcome I held out hope. I am so sorry Serenity

 

[tlcya]

Catherine's facial structure has me puzzled. Downturned eyes, downturned mouth. Does she have any disability or genetic syndrome that causes her features to look so?

 

[Allabouttrial]

Catherine's facial structure has me puzzled. Downturned eyes, downturned mouth. Does she have any disability or genetic syndrome that causes her features to look so?

I think the family would have said so by now if she had and I haven't seen any mention.

Also, if you look at her mother, she has the same downturned eyes and mouth.

 

[tlcya]

TY, I haven't seen pics of Abby's mom.

 

[Allabouttrial]

TY, I haven't seen pics of Abby's mom.

1st mugshot.

Second mugshot.

Mom of missing girl, 4, seen with horror bruise after daughter vanished

ETA: Sorry I misread your post!

 

[Allabouttrial]

I want to know how she was able to cut her hair in between mugshots.

 

[tlcya]

ah, I see, we were not understanding one another

I am referring to Serenity's mother (Catherine Abigail "Abby") as having unusual features. My question was whether the appearance of her features/facial structure is due to some specific reason or if that is just how her face is structured. Trying to ask this question without seeming to throw dirt on the accused. Legit question, not being hateful about the accused's appearance if you follow.

 

[cvaldez1975]

I agree with you @Trackergd. More often now though, it seems to be a bio parent failing to protect their child from a non-related person they are in a relationship with. Do you remember Dr. Laura? She was criticized for saying a parent with minor children shouldn't date. While I think that's an extreme stance to take straight across the board, I have mused if that was applied in all the cases we see here at WS- just how many children would still be alive today.

I dated with minor children after a divorce, we've been married 32 years this year. So, that can't be applied across the board, I know this. But how do you reach/educate the vulnerable parents we see in this forum, who can't seem to navigate having a safe relationship for their child's sake? It's heartbreaking and the agencies responsible, seem to have failures time and again as well.

it goes back really far and delves into why does this parent have such low esteem that they can't be alone and ignore red flags.

 

[Laughing]

Catherine's facial structure has me puzzled. Downturned eyes, downturned mouth. Does she have any disability or genetic syndrome that causes her features to look so?

Very difficult to determine from two mugshots, but wide-set eyes/eyes more than one eye-width apart are an indicator of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome:

Fetal alcohol syndrome - Symptoms and causes

Not looking for a link, but the way we sleep is a big influence on our faces. Bones are alive, and will respond to repeated pressure. Kids left in car seats too long end up with flat area on the back of their head, for example. This woman may have an unusual sleeping position.

My undergrad is in Human Development -- I don't remember any specific syndrome indicated by her facial structure. On the other hand, I have worked with adult clients with similar facial structure, and these were clients while other agencies referred to them as 'consumers.'

Interested in hearing from medical professionals! @LaborDayRN , @meanmaryjean , @BeginnerSleuther .

jmho ymmv lrr

 

[meanmaryjean]

Very difficult to determine from two mugshots, but wide-set eyes/eyes more than one eye-width apart are an indicator of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome:

Fetal alcohol syndrome - Symptoms and causes

Not looking for a link, but the way we sleep is a big influence on our faces. Bones are alive, and will respond to repeated pressure. Kids left in car seats too long end up with flat area on the back of their head, for example. This woman may have an unusual sleeping position.

My undergrad is in Human Development -- I don't remember any specific syndrome indicated by her facial structure. On the other hand, I have worked with adult clients with similar facial structure, and these were clients while other agencies referred to them as 'consumers.'

Interested in hearing from medical professionals! @LaborDayRN , @meanmaryjean , @BeginnerSleuther .

jmho ymmv lrr

Nothing from me. Not even FLK*

Funny Looking Kid (describes a child who is unusual looking but simply resembles a parent or grandparent)

 

[PommyMommy]

FEB 22, 2022
Mom of Serenity McKinney and Mom's Boyfriend Charged With Murder After Body of Missing 4-Year-Old Is Found | Inside Edition
They are expected to be arraigned on March 2, authorities said.

Mother of missing 4-year-old Kentucky girl and her boyfriend appear in court | News | wdrb.com

[...]

The child's mother, Catherine McKinney, and her mom's boyfriend, Dakota Hill, are both behind bars in the Shelby County Detention Center. Tuesday, they appeared in court through a video screen. Both face charges of murder, abuse of a corpse and custodial interference. Tuesday's court appearance only focused on the custodial interference charges, which face the potential for one to five years in prison.

[...]

... They only spoke when asked if they had an attorney. Hill asked for a court-appointed attorney, while McKinney said she already had an attorney.

A judge entered a not guilty plea on behalf of both McKinney and Hill. They'll be back in court on March 3 for a preliminary hearing.

A cause of death for 4-year-old Serenity has not been released yet. The Bullitt County Coroner's Office said it is waiting to hear back from the medical examiner, and that could take several more days.

 

[BeginnerSleuther]

Very difficult to determine from two mugshots, but wide-set eyes/eyes more than one eye-width apart are an indicator of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome:

Fetal alcohol syndrome - Symptoms and causes

Not looking for a link, but the way we sleep is a big influence on our faces. Bones are alive, and will respond to repeated pressure. Kids left in car seats too long end up with flat area on the back of their head, for example. This woman may have an unusual sleeping position.

My undergrad is in Human Development -- I don't remember any specific syndrome indicated by her facial structure. On the other hand, I have worked with adult clients with similar facial structure, and these were clients while other agencies referred to them as 'consumers.'

Interested in hearing from medical professionals! @LaborDayRN , @meanmaryjean , @BeginnerSleuther .

jmho ymmv lrr

Nothing about her appearance raises red flags for me. You have to be careful in equating adult facial features with any type of disorder without knowing what her relatives look like. Outside an objective deformity, would just assume familial genetics resulted in her facial structure.

 

[Laughing]

Nothing about her appearance raises red flags for me. You have to be careful in equating adult facial features with any type of disorder without knowing what her relatives look like. Outside an objective deformity, would just assume familial genetics resulted in her facial structure.

@meanmaryjean , FLK, yeah, I've known a few of those!

Yes! Previous trauma, too, can change facial contours.

The screenshot of her in the hearing almost looks like a different person! Is there a previous injury to her forehead, or pixelation? (Click on the images to enlarge.)

jmho ymmv lrr

 

[fred&edna]

 

[Oakie]

"Very difficult to determine from two mugshots, but wide-set eyes/eyes more than one eye-width apart are an indicator of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome:"

I was thinking the same thing. Although sometimes this evinces itself in sharp features....narrow face, pointed chin, etc. Hard to know what that poor girl experienced.......

 

[kelsie]

Abby is getting WAY TOO MUCH sympathy online for being a "battered woman". No woman (or man for that matter) should feel unsafe in their own home or suffer at the hands of the person they love. However, the focus is the baby. This precious baby. Innocent. Loving. Beautiful. Harmed. Slaughtered for WHAT reason? And if Abby knows exactly what happened and she *stayed* with this piece of human garbage, I don't even know what to say.

Also, she looks like she's losing her hair, not even like she cut it. Might be lots of stress. Idk.

 

[PommyMommy]

FEB 24, 2022
Serenity McKinney's father, grandmother break silence | whas11.com
[...]

Her father DR sat looking through photos and videos of the young girl full of life. "I was actually in Owensboro for this one, this is when she was a newborn," he said.

DR replayed his favorite moments with Serenity over and over. He said she had a mean mug that was the cutest thing he'd ever seen, and when he was with her, she'd never let go of his hand.

[...]

The memories are what he and her grandmas are now left with. "There isn’t just one favorite memory, they’re all my favorite memories," said MR, Serenity's grandma.

Serenity was a budding singer, puzzle solver, fisher and princess.

[...]

'I'm going to keep pushing until justice is served' | Father of 4-year-old Serenity McKinney | whas11.com (Video)