How Could You? Hall of Shame-Elena Janelle Rendell UPDATED

This will be an archive of heinous actions by those involved in child welfare, foster care and adoption. We forewarn you that these are deeply disturbing stories that may involve sex abuse, murder, kidnapping and other horrendous actions.

From Pensacola Florida, “Investigators say a 17-year-old girl [Elena Janelle Rendell] shot and killed her 14-year-old foster sister[Christina Sneary] in a fight over a cell phone.

The girl [Elena Janelle Rendell] appeared in a Pensacola courtroom on Thursday, where prosecutors said she would be charged as an adult with second-degree manslaughter with a firearm.

A judge denied family members’ requests for bail in the case and ordered the girl sent to juvenile custody pending an Aug. 18 hearing. According to an arrest report, the girl shot her sister with a 9 mm handgun as the two were arguing over a cell phone. ”

Teen accused of fatally shooting foster sister in fight over cell phone
[Orlando Sentinel 8/6/11 by Associated Press]

“Investigators say Rendell shot her foster sister in the neck Wednesday after the two got into an argument at their home in the 7600 block of Kipling Street.”

“Rendell will be transferred to adult detention facilities Escambia County Jail. Her next court appearance is Aug. 18 at Escambia County Circuit Court.

If convicted, Rendell faces a potential mandatory-minimum sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

Assistant State Attorney John Molchan said Rendell was charged as an adult because she is almost 18 years old and the crime involved a firearm.

Molchan said several factors could lead to a lesser sentence than the mandatory minimum, including Rendell’s age, her mental state and if the shooting was an accident.”

Teen held in foster sister’s slaying
[Pensacola News Journal 8/4/11 by Travis Griggs]

“Deputies say witnesses saw the older girl run into the street shouting for help.

The younger girl was taken to Sacred Heart Hospital with a gunshot wound. Morgan says the girl lost a lot of blood but was “somewhat communicative in the ambulance.”

“Neighbors told the Pensacola News Journal that the family moved into the two-story house a few weeks ago.”

Sheriff: Foster sister shoots younger sister
[Miami Herald 8/4/11 by Associated Press]

“A former Northview High student, 17-year old Elena Janelle Rendell has now been charged as an adult with the murder of her 14-year old sister Christina Sneary, an eighth grader at Ernest Ward Middle School last year.”

“The two girls had recently moved with their mother from Sunset View Lane in Molino to the 7600 block of Kipling Street in the Ferry Pass community.”

“Both girls were described by a relative as being special needs children.”
Northview Student Charged As Adult In Murder Of Sister Christina Sneary
[North Escambia.com 8/4/11]

Comments indicate that both girls had been adopted despite news stories referring to them as foster children.

REFORM Puzzle Piece

Update: “A former Northview High School student has been convicted of the shooting death of her adoptive sister last August.

Elena Janelle Rendell — who was 17 at the time of the August 3, 2011, shooting — was convicted as a youthful offender for shooting 14-year old Christina Marie Sneary, a former Molino resident.

Rendell was sentenced to one year in the county jail, with no credit for nearly one year she spent behind bars awaiting trial, according to Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille. After release from jail, she will be on probation for five years.

She was also ordered to continue with mental health counseling and treatment. After her time in jail, Rendell will be required to seek and maintain employment or continue her education.

The two girls had recently moved with their mother from Sunset View Lane in Molino to the 7600 block of Kipling Street in the Ferry Pass community.

Rendell told deputies that she began to argue with Sneary over a cell phone. During the argument, Rendell ran into her parent’s bedroom and retrieved her father’s 9 mm handgun from the top of a television shelf that stood about 12-feet high. Rendell then pointed the handgun at her 14-year old sister and fired a single gunshot into the right side of Sneary’s neck. Sneary died a short time later at Sacred Heart Hospital.”

 

Former Northview Student Convicted Of Killing Younger Adoptive Sister; Will Serve One Year In Jail

[North Escambia 8/2/12]