A 6-year-old boy heroically intervened to protect his younger sister during a brutal stabbing attack allegedly carried out by their mother, according to their grandmother.
Jan Marie Mull, 59, stated that her grandson Dawson, 6, sustained the most severe injuries because he attempted to shield his 3-year-old sister, Hazel, from their mother, Taylor Gosnell, 35. "The only thing I can visualize why Dawson had more injuries than Hazel was Dawson was trying to protect Hazel," Mull told The US Sun.
Authorities reported that Gosnell allegedly stabbed both children nearly 50 times in Spartanburg, South Carolina, on September 26. The children suffered deep lacerations, with doctors reportedly considering amputation for Dawson due to the severity of his injuries. Both children are reported to be in stable condition.
Mull expressed shock upon learning of the attack, stating she had never witnessed any signs of abuse towards her grandchildren. "I couldn’t breathe. Honest to God, I could not breathe. I was freaking floored," she said.
Dawson had reportedly called his grandmother because he was hungry, which led to a wellness check by authorities. Police discovered the children alone and covered in blood. Gosnell returned to the scene shortly after officers arrived and appeared distressed.
When taken for a mental health evaluation, Gosnell attempted to flee and had to be restrained with handcuffs to a stretcher, according to the solicitor’s office.
Mull recalled Dawson's protective nature, saying, "Dawson’s got that kind of love for everybody. He takes after my son in that department. I think he was just probably trying to protect her."
Gosnell is being held without bond and is scheduled to appear in court on November 12.