Susan Abney of Salem, Missouri in Dent County has pleaded guilty to abuse and neglect of a child leading to death in the case of her own daughter, 10-year-old Josie Ann Abney.
Abney was initially charged with abuse and neglect of a child, as well as second-degree murder, but the murder charge was dropped as a result of her guilty plea.
Josie Ann was the adoptive child of Susan and her husband, Randy Abney. She was adopted in 2013 and lived with the couple until her death in 2020. Randy is still facing charges of second-degree murder and abuse or neglect of a child resulting in death.
Investigators found a child lock on the home’s refrigerator, and noticed food in the home placed in locations out of reaching of the child.
In statements from doctors, Josie Ann was severely dehydrated, malnourished and had signs of bruising throughout her body.