Neosho police report that Kayla Marie Christensen is facing eight criminal charges following allegations of child abandonment and neglect. The charges include second-degree child abandonment, three counts of child abuse or neglect, three counts of failing to restrain a child properly, and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia.
The investigation began shortly before 3 a.m. on Friday, when officers were dispatched to Love's Travel Stop in Neosho. Neosho police had received a report of a young child found alone in the parking lot of the establishment. According to police statements, Christensen allegedly drove away from the truck stop after abandoning her 4-year-old daughter there. Later in the course of the investigation, she reportedly denied to officers that she even had a daughter.
Court documents outline the various accusations leading to the comprehensive list of charges. The charge of second-degree child abandonment directly relates to the incident at the Neosho travel stop, where the 4-year-old was discovered. The three counts of child abuse or neglect encompass broader allegations concerning Christensen’s conduct as a parent.
Among these allegations, investigators claim that Christensen left two other children unattended. This separate incident reportedly occurred while she was gambling at a casino located in Wyandotte. Furthermore, the court documents accuse Christensen of transporting the children without ensuring their safety through proper car seats or seat belt protection, a detail addressed by the three charges of failing to restrain a child properly. Investigators also allege that Christensen placed the children near suspected drug paraphernalia, contributing to the grounds for the neglect charges.
In addition to the charges directly related to child safety and welfare, Christensen is also charged with unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia. This specific charge involves a syringe, which, according to investigators, was allegedly intended for drug use.
Neosho police have publicly acknowledged the role of the staff at Love's Travel Stop in the initial response to the incident. Officers extended their thanks to the employees for their actions in keeping the young girl calm and ensuring her safety in the parking lot until law enforcement personnel could arrive and take custody. The legal proceedings for these charges are now underway, based on the findings of the Neosho police investigation and the filed court documents.
