SIX-YEAR-OLD DAWSON AND HIS THREE-YEAR-OLD SISTER HAZEL HOSPITALISED AFTER ALLEGED ATTACK AT SOUTH CAROLINA HOME

SPARTANBURG COUNTY, SOUTH CAROLINA — A six-year-old boy and his three-year-old sister are recovering in hospital after authorities say they were seriously injured in an alleged attack inside their family home. The older child, Dawson, has suffered particularly severe injuries, and officials say doctors have been considering whether his arm or fingers may need to be amputated.

Their mother, 35-year-old Taylor Gosnell, has been charged with two counts of attempted murder in connection with the incident. She has also faced charges relating to possession of a weapon during a violent crime. The allegations have not been proven in court.

A Phone Call That Prompted a Welfare Check

According to the Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to a home in the Cowpens area on September 26, 2026, to conduct a welfare check after concerns arose about the children.

Reports say Dawson had called his grandmother and told her he was hungry and that the children were alone. The call prompted family members to seek help.

When deputies arrived, they found Dawson and Hazel unattended and suffering from serious injuries believed to have been caused by a knife. Investigators said a kitchen knife and a blunt object were allegedly used in the incident.

Authorities estimated that the two children had suffered approximately 50 stab wounds between them. Officials also reported that some wounds were deep enough to reach the bone.

Both children were taken to hospital for emergency treatment. Authorities later said they were in stable condition and expected to survive, although further operations were anticipated.

Dawson’s Injuries Raise Fears of Amputation

Dawson’s injuries were described by officials as especially severe. According to statements from the solicitor’s office, the damage to his arm was serious enough that doctors were considering the possibility of amputating his fingers or part of his arm.

The possibility has been particularly distressing for relatives as they wait for further information about his recovery.

Dawson’s grandmother, Jan Marie Mull, told media outlets that she believed he may have tried to protect his younger sister during the alleged attack. She said she struggled to understand why he had sustained more injuries than Hazel and thought he might have placed himself between his sister and the danger.

That account reflects the grandmother’s belief; authorities have not publicly established that Dawson deliberately shielded Hazel.

The children remain at the centre of an ongoing investigation, and their medical recovery is the immediate concern for those supporting them.

Mother Taken for Medical Evaluation After Returning Home

Investigators said Gosnell returned to the property while deputies were there. According to the sheriff’s office, her behaviour raised concerns about her immediate well-being, and she was taken by ambulance for a mental-health evaluation.

Officials said she attempted to leave the ambulance before being restrained.

Although social-media posts associated with an account bearing her name have attracted online attention, such posts cannot independently establish a person’s mental state or explain the circumstances of an alleged offence. Investigators have not publicly established a motive for the incident.

Gosnell was denied bond following her initial court appearance and remains in custody, according to local reports. A subsequent court appearance was scheduled for November 12, 2026.

A Family Facing an Unimaginable Ordeal

The case has prompted an outpouring of concern for Dawson and Hazel, whose lives were suddenly disrupted by injuries that required urgent medical care.

For their grandmother and other relatives, the focus is on the children’s recovery and the uncertainty surrounding Dawson’s long-term prognosis. The possibility of further surgery adds another difficult layer to an already painful situation.

Authorities have said the investigation remains active. The children have been placed in protective custody while officials continue examining the circumstances.

As the case moves through the legal system, the allegations against Gosnell will be addressed in court. For now, Dawson and Hazel’s recovery remains the most urgent concern, and relatives and supporters are hoping both children can heal from the physical and emotional effects of the ordeal.

Anyone following the case should rely on verified updates from law enforcement and the courts, while respecting the children’s privacy during their recovery.