Taylor Gosnell faces two attempted murder charges as her children recover from serious injuries and investigators continue examining the case.
SPARTANBURG COUNTY, SC — An investigation remains active after a South Carolina mother was accused of attacking her two young children with a knife and a blunt object, leaving both hospitalized and one facing possible additional surgeries, according to authorities.
Taylor Gosnell, 35, faces two counts of attempted murder following the Sept. 26 incident at a home in the 1400 block of Bud Arthur Bridge Road in the Cowpens area. The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office said the children, ages 3 and 6, were found unattended when deputies arrived for a welfare check at about 2:30 p.m. Both children survived and were reported in stable condition as investigators continued working to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack.
Authorities said the welfare check began after the older child contacted his grandmother and indicated that the children were alone and hungry. The grandmother and one of Gosnell’s former boyfriends went to the residence, and law enforcement was called. Deputies found the children seriously injured inside the home. Officials also reported extensive damage inside the residence, including broken televisions and mirrors.
Investigators allege the children were attacked during the hours before deputies were called. Graham McLellan of the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office told WSPA that investigators estimated the children suffered about 50 knife wounds combined. Authorities have also said a blunt object was used. Prosecutors described the injuries as severe during Gosnell’s initial court appearance, while officials said both children were expected to survive.
The 6-year-old suffered particularly serious injuries to an arm, according to prosecutors. During the bond hearing, the 7th Circuit Solicitor’s Office said the child could face the possible amputation of fingers or an arm because of the injuries. The children were initially taken to Spartanburg Regional Medical Center and later reported to be receiving treatment at a children’s hospital in Greenville. Authorities said additional surgeries were expected.
Gosnell returned to the residence while deputies were investigating, according to accounts from law enforcement and prosecutors. Officials said she was speaking rapidly, appeared distressed and reported experiencing visions. An ambulance was called for a mental health evaluation. Prosecutors said Gosnell later tried to leave the ambulance and was restrained before being transported for evaluation. Those statements describe what authorities reported at the scene and do not establish a medical diagnosis or a motive for the alleged attack.
Gosnell was later booked into the Spartanburg County Detention Center. A judge declined to set bond during a hearing Sept. 27, leaving the question of bond for a circuit court judge. She remains accused, and the attempted murder charges have not been proven in court. Publicly available reporting did not establish whether an attorney was representing her as of Tuesday.
The sheriff’s office has also said Gosnell has pending child endangerment charges dating to 2024. Court records cited in local reporting indicate she was charged with two counts related to allegations that a child was unlawfully placed at risk of harm. Those earlier charges remain separate from the current attempted murder case, and authorities have not publicly provided enough information to establish what connection, if any, they have to the latest investigation.
Investigators have not announced a motive for the alleged attack. Authorities have also not released the children’s names, and reporting on the case has generally withheld their identities because they are minors. The children have been placed in protective custody while they continue receiving medical care.
The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office says the investigation remains active. Gosnell remains jailed as the criminal case proceeds, while the children continue recovering from their injuries. Court records cited in published reports list Nov. 12 as Gosnell’s next scheduled court appearance.
Author note: Last updated Sept. 29, 2026.