Neosho Police Department makes arrest following child welfare investigation

Neosho, MO – The Neosho Police Department responded to a report of a found child during the early morning hours of Friday, October 23, 2026, leading to the safe recovery of a 4-year-old girl and the subsequent arrest of her mother following a multi-agency investigation.

At approximately 3:00 a.m., officers were dispatched to Love's Travel Stop, located at 12009 E. Highway 86 in Neosho, after employees reported finding a young child alone inside the business without a parent or guardian present. Employees ensured the child was safe and contacted authorities.

Witnesses reported that the child had exited a black Chevrolet Silverado before being found and that the vehicle left the area. Officers began working to identify the child and locate a parent or guardian.

As part of the investigation, Neosho officers reviewed available video, interviewed witnesses and worked with the Newton County Sheriff's Office to develop information regarding the vehicle and the child's possible family members.

The Missouri Children's Division and Newton County Juvenile Office were notified, and the child was placed into protective custody while the investigation continued.

Information regarding the vehicle was provided to surrounding law enforcement agencies. The vehicle was later located by the Wyandotte Nation Police Department in Oklahoma. Neosho Police Department investigators coordinated with Oklahoma authorities as the investigation continued.

The child's mother, Kayla Marie Christensen, 34, was subsequently identified and contacted by investigators. Christensen was later arrested and booked into the Newton County Jail.

During the investigation, officers also located two additional juvenile children who had been traveling in the vehicle with Christensen. Out of concern for their welfare, both children were placed into protective custody of the Missouri Children's Division.

Investigators conducted a lawful search of the vehicle. Evidence relevant to the case was recovered and submitted for further examination.

The Newton County Prosecutor's Office has filed the following charges: Abandonment of a Child – First Degree, a Class B felony Endangering the Welfare of a Child Creating Substantial Risk – First Degree, a Class D felony Endangering the Welfare of a Child Creating Substantial Risk – First Degree, a Class D felony The Neosho Police Department recognizes and commends the employees of Love's Travel Stop and McDonald's whose attentiveness and quick actions played an important role in ensuring the child's safety.

The department also thanks the Newton County Sheriff's Office, Missouri Children's Division, Newton County Juvenile Office, Newton County Central Dispatch, Wyandotte Nation Police Department, Newton County Prosecutor's Office and all other assisting agencies for their cooperation and assistance throughout the investigation.

The case remains under active investigation. To protect the integrity of the investigation and the privacy of the children involved, no additional information is being released at this time.

All criminal charges are allegations, and any defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.