Brave 6-Year-Old Boy Shielded Little Sister During Mother’s Brutal Stabbing Rampage, Grandmother Says

A heartbreaking and shocking tragedy unfolded in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where a mother allegedly attacked her two young children in a horrific frenzy. Amidst the violence, the heroic actions of a 6-year-old boy saved his little sister’s life, leaving his family grappling with unimaginable devastation.

A Cry for Help and a Horrific Discovery

“The only thing I can visualize why Dawson had more injuries than Hazel was Dawson was trying to protect Hazel,” the grandma told the outlet. Jan Marie Mull

The incident came to light on September 26, when law enforcement conducted a welfare check prompted by an unexpected phone call. The call was made by 6-year-old Dawson to his grandmother, simply complaining that he was hungry. That single phone call led authorities to discover the two children abandoned alone and covered in blood.

According to the solicitor’s office, the mother, 35-year-old Taylor Gosnell, subjected her two young children to a brutal attack involving nearly 50 stab wounds. The children suffered severe injuries, including lacerations so deep they cut to the bone. Both victims were rushed to medical care and are currently listed in stable condition.

A Brother’s Selfless Sacrifice

Dawson is pictured with this mother Gosnell in August 2022.Facebook/Tay Gosnell

Between the two children, Dawson bore the brunt of the violence. Speaking to reporters, his 59-year-old grandmother, Jan Marie Mull, shared that she was entirely floored and felt like she couldn’t breathe when she first heard the devastating news.

Mull, whose late son Blake was Dawson’s father, expressed her absolute certainty that her grandson suffered more injuries because he stepped in to protect his 3-year-old sister, Hazel. “The only thing I can visualize why Dawson had more injuries than Hazel was Dawson was trying to protect Hazel,” Mull said. She added that Dawson carries that deep capacity for love and bravery from her late son.

Currently, Dawson remains sedated to manage his pain, while doctors are reportedly evaluating medical options regarding the risk of amputation due to the severity of his wounds.

The Mother’s Erratic Behavior and Legal Status

Authorities stated that Taylor Gosnell returned home shortly after law enforcement arrived, appearing visibly distressed. When emergency personnel attempted to place her in an ambulance for a mental health evaluation, she tried to flee and had to be handcuffed to a stretcher, according to the solicitor’s office.

When Taylor Gosnell was taken to an ambulance for a mental health evaluation after authorities discovered the condition her children were in, she attempted to flee and had to be handcuffed to a stretcher, according to the solicitor’s office. Facebook/Tay Gosnell

Mull admitted she was completely stunned by the attack, noting she had never known Gosnell to abuse or beat the kids, having “never seen bruises, nothing.”

Gosnell is currently being held without bond and is scheduled to appear in court on November 12 to face charges.