OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss., Oct. 31, 2024 — A Mississippi mother was arrested on felony child abuse charges after allegedly forming a suicide pact with her 10-year-old daughter but failing to follow through, leaving the young girl hospitalized after she ingested several pills, authorities said.
Brittney Leigh Hensley, 37, is being held on a $500,000 bond at the Jackson County Adult Detention Center in Pascagoula, Mississippi, following her October 15 arrest in Alabama, Ocean Springs Police Chief Ryan Lemaire said.
Police responded to a report of a child overdosing at a Studio 6 motel in Ocean Springs on July 6, launching an investigation that has shaken the small Gulf Coast community.
Child Found Unresponsive at Motel
Officers arrived at the extended-stay Studio 6 motel around 6:25 p.m. on July 6 after receiving a call about an unresponsive child, police said.
Inside the motel room, authorities discovered Hensley’s daughter, unresponsive and surrounded by “several unknown capsules and empty prescription medication bottles” found in a green backpack, according to Lemaire.
The medications had been prescribed to Hensley, officials said.
Both Hensley and her daughter were transported separately by ambulance to Ocean Springs Hospital, where they were intubated for treatment.
The daughter, in critical condition, was later flown by helicopter to USA Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Mobile, Alabama, for further care, where she eventually regained consciousness, police said.
The 10-year-old later told investigators that she and her mother had agreed to take a large amount of pills together as part of a suicide pact.
Police said Hensley allegedly planned to take her own life alongside her daughter but did not ingest a lethal dose, a discrepancy that emerged during the investigation.
Alleged Suicide Pact Fails
According to Deputy Police Chief Steven Dye, Hensley initially claimed she had consumed a substantial quantity of medication, though medical evidence later indicated otherwise.
Physicians’ reports confirmed that bloodwork conducted on Hensley at the hospital did not support her claim.
If Hensley’s statements had been accurate, Dye said, her medical condition would have been far more severe.
“It’s very tragic,” Dye told Press.
“No one wants to see a child hurt, and it’s always a little bit harder on us when these cases involve children. But we’re focused on building a strong case to ensure accountability.”
Dye emphasized that the case has had a significant emotional impact on Ocean Springs, a town not accustomed to such incidents.
Officers involved, many of whom have children, have been affected by the disturbing nature of the case, Dye said.
Investigation and Arrest
The investigation progressed slowly over several months as authorities gathered evidence.
As police prepared charges, Hensley reportedly fled Mississippi and crossed state lines to Alabama, where she has family, authorities said.
An arrest warrant was issued in September, and the Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers released a notice on October 14, seeking assistance in locating Hensley.
The following day, she was apprehended by the Huntsville Police Department in Alabama.
Once arrested, Hensley was extradited back to Jackson County, Mississippi.
She is charged with felony child abuse resulting in serious bodily harm.
The district attorney has not yet presented the case to a grand jury, and Hensley’s booking records did not indicate whether she had retained an attorney.
Community Reaction and Law Enforcement Response
Local authorities expressed their determination to hold Hensley accountable, acknowledging the gravity of the case.
Dye noted that incidents involving child endangerment or abuse are especially challenging for law enforcement officers who work to protect children in difficult circumstances.
“This is a case we all wish would never happen,” Dye said.
“But at least when we’re able to apprehend those responsible, it’s a small consolation for us and the community, knowing that they will face the consequences of their actions.”
Local residents have expressed concern for the well-being of Hensley’s daughter, who remains in the care of Mississippi’s Child Protective Services.
Lemaire said that the investigation has had “reverberating effects” on the community, especially given the tragic involvement of a young child in such dire circumstances.
“It pulls on our heartstrings any time we’re dealing with a child in a situation like this,” he added.
Condition and Care of the Child
The child, whose identity has not been released, is currently under the supervision of Mississippi’s Child Protective Services, which is overseeing her recovery.
Police have not disclosed specifics regarding the girl’s current condition, but she is reportedly making progress under state care.
The case underscores ongoing concerns regarding child abuse and mental health resources in the region, where access to supportive services for struggling families is limited.
The police department has not specified what, if any, measures are being taken to assist the girl’s emotional and mental recovery following the traumatic events.
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Hensley faces a serious felony charge of child abuse causing substantial harm, but additional charges could emerge as the district attorney’s office reviews the case.
The grand jury hearing, yet to be scheduled, will determine whether formal indictments will be issued.
No court date has been set for Hensley, and it is unclear if she plans to enter a plea.
According to Lemaire, the department is focused on ensuring that all evidence gathered during the investigation is thorough and will hold up in court.
“We want to make sure we have a strong case to present to the district attorney,” he said.
The local police department has emphasized the importance of community awareness regarding mental health and the risks associated with prescription medication, particularly in cases involving vulnerable children.
For those affected by thoughts of self-harm or in need of mental health support, resources are available through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which can be reached by dialing 988, texting “STRENGTH” to 741741, or visiting 988lifeline.org.
