May 28th, 2026 Local News
Washington Co., Mo. (KFMO) - A Potosi woman is facing felony charges after authorities say a 13-year-old juvenile in her care was found unresponsive during a January incident in Washington County.
According to a probable cause statement, an investigation into Genenieve E. Gaynor began January 31, 2026 after first responders received a call involving an unresponsive juvenile at a residence in Washington County.
Court documents state the 13-year-old and three other juveniles were left home alone on January 30 after Gaynor and another individual reportedly left the residence to shower at a friend’s home. Investigators say the teenagers attempted to stay awake while waiting for the adults to return, but eventually fell asleep.
One witness later told deputies with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office they woke up around 8 a.m. and discovered the 13-year-old lying on the ground unresponsive in a pool of vomit.
Authorities said the juveniles contacted Gaynor after realizing she had not returned home overnight. She reportedly arrived back at the residence around 8:30 a.m.
According to court records, Gaynor allegedly did not contact emergency services after seeing the juvenile’s condition. Instead, deputies reported she attempted to revive the child by packing snow into the juvenile’s shirt and pants.
Investigators stated Gaynor continued those efforts until approximately 10:30 a.m., when one of the juveniles independently called 911 for emergency assistance.
The juvenile was transported to a hospital in St. Louis for treatment.
Officials further stated that when deputies arrived at the residence, Gaynor was reportedly asleep in bed and had to be awakened by one of the teenagers.
Gaynor has since been charged with First-Degree Endangering the Welfare of a Child - Physical Injury and Abuse or Neglect of a Child.
The case remains under investigation.