23-Year-Old Mother Charged with Felony Child Abandonment in Missouri After Leaving 4 Month Old Wedge Between Mattress and Wall

Kaitlyn Maire Estes (Newton County Sheriff)

A 23-year-old mother in Missouri, Kaitlyn Maire Estes, is facing felony charges after allegedly leaving her 4-month-old daughter home alone to “go score,” resulting in a distressing and concerning situation for the baby. Court records reveal that Estes was charged with one count of first-degree abandonment of a child and one count of first-degree endangering the welfare of a child.

The incident came to light when an investigator from the Missouri Department of Social Services Children’s Division visited Estes' home on October 2, 2024, following up on an existing investigation. Upon arrival, the investigator heard a baby crying inside the home and, after multiple failed attempts to make contact with Estes, law enforcement was called to assist.

Police found the baby girl wedged between the bed mattress and the wall in a distressing state, with a soiled and sagging diaper. The infant also had bruises on her face, and a handwritten note found in the bedroom indicated that Estes had left to "go score." The child was taken to the Children’s Center for evaluation, where doctors observed bruising and skin issues due to neglect.

Estes was not present at the time of the discovery and was later located three days following the incident. She was arrested and arraigned, with a bond set at $5,000. As of Tuesday morning, Estes remained in custody at the Newton County Jail, awaiting a bond reduction hearing scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.

This distressing case serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of protecting vulnerable children and holding caregivers accountable for their actions. Child welfare remains a critical issue that requires a united effort to ensure the safety and well-being of all children in our communities.