The siblings are now in state custody while their mother remains accused of attacking them during the night before a welfare check.
SPARTANBURG COUNTY, S.C. — Two young children found seriously injured during a September welfare check have been released from the hospital and placed in state custody as their mother faces attempted murder charges in connection with the alleged attack, authorities said.
The development marks a new stage in a case that began Sept. 26, when Spartanburg County sheriff’s deputies went to a home on Bud Arthur Bridge Road after concerns were raised about the children. Deputies found a 6-year-old boy and his 3-year-old sister injured and unattended. Investigators later arrested their mother, 35-year-old Taylor Gosnell.
The Sheriff’s Office said investigators believe Gosnell attacked the children during the night before deputies arrived. Authorities have alleged that a knife and a blunt object were used. Gosnell was charged with two counts of attempted murder and was later accused in two additional warrants of possessing a weapon during a violent crime.
The children were initially taken for emergency medical treatment. Authorities said the boy, identified by his grandmother as Dawson, suffered especially serious injuries. Prosecutors said during early court proceedings that damage to his arm was severe enough that doctors were considering whether an amputation might be necessary.
More recent reporting from FOX Carolina said both children were released from the hospital last week and are now in the custody of the South Carolina Department of Social Services. Authorities have said further surgeries are expected, but no updated medical prognosis detailing the boy’s arm has been publicly released.
The welfare check followed contact involving the older child and his grandmother. Authorities previously said the 6-year-old reported that the children were alone and hungry. Family members then went to the residence, where the children’s injuries were discovered and law enforcement was called.
Gosnell returned to the property while authorities were investigating, according to earlier accounts from law enforcement and prosecutors. Questions about her condition prompted a medical evaluation before she was booked into the Spartanburg County Detention Center. Investigators have not publicly announced a motive for the alleged attack.
A judge denied Gosnell bond on the attempted murder charges. The charges are allegations, and the criminal case has not been resolved in court. Authorities have continued to describe the investigation as active.
The children’s paternal grandmother, Jan Marie, has since spoken publicly about Dawson, describing him as a loving older brother and a child who has already endured significant health problems. She said Dawson was born with short gut syndrome, required a feeding tube as a baby and underwent multiple surgeries during his early years.
Marie said she believes her grandson has the strength to recover from the latest injuries. She also said she has struggled to reconcile the allegations with her previous view of Gosnell as a good mother. Authorities have not released evidence establishing why the alleged attack occurred.
Both children remain outside their mother’s custody as they continue their recovery. The most recent local report lists Gosnell’s next court appearance for Nov. 19, while the attempted murder case and related charges remain pending.
Author note: Last updated Oct. 13, 2026.