A Mississippi mother, Brittney Leigh Hensley, 37, faces serious charges after allegedly attempting a “suicide pact” with her 10-year-old daughter and allowing the child to carry it out while she did not follow through, reported by the Independent. The incident reportedly occurred in July, leading Hensley to flee the state. She was apprehended in Alabama by law enforcement and charged with felony child abuse.
The Ocean Springs Police Department received a call around 6:30 p.m. on July 6 about an unresponsive child at the Studio 6 extended stay motel, where Hensley and her daughter had been living. When first responders arrived, they found the unconscious child, but Hensley fled shortly afterward. Paramedics rushed the young girl to a local hospital, where she regained consciousness.
Ocean Springs Police Chief Ryan Lemaire shared details about the disturbing incident with the Biloxi Sun Herald, explaining that the girl told police about the alleged suicide pact her mother had made. “She had this suicide pact with her daughter,” Lemaire said. “The momma started freaking out when her daughter wouldn’t wake up.”
After Hensley fled, police believed she might be headed to Alabama, where she has relatives. Mississippi Crime Stoppers issued an alert to the public to be on the lookout for her. On October 15, the Huntsville Police Department took Hensley into custody on behalf of the Ocean Springs Police Department, arresting her on a warrant for “Felonious Child Abuse” by poisoning.
Following her arrest, Hensley was extradited back to Mississippi and is currently held at the Jackson County Jail. Court records indicate she is being held on a $500,000 bond. At this time, it remains unclear if she has obtained legal representation.
This case has shocked the Ocean Springs community, and officials are continuing their investigation to uncover further details.