Missouri Mother Charged with Felony Child Abandonment After Truck Stop Incident and Casino Stop in Oklahoma

A 34-year-old Missouri woman faces multiple felony charges after allegedly abandoning her four-year-old daughter at a truck stop and later leaving her two sons unattended in a vehicle while she gambled at an Oklahoma casino.

Kayla Marie Christensen drove away from a Love’s Travel Stop in Neosho, Mo., shortly before 3 a.m., leaving the girl behind. Employees discovered the child alone inside the business without a parent or guardian. Witnesses observed the girl exit a black Chevrolet Silverado before the vehicle departed.

Authorities responded at approximately 3 a.m., reviewed surveillance footage, interviewed witnesses, and coordinated with the Newton County Sheriff’s Office to identify the vehicle. The pickup was located in Oklahoma by the Wyandotte Nation Police Department, which worked with Missouri investigators to identify Christensen as the mother and effect her arrest.

When questioned, Christensen denied having a daughter and claimed her only children were the two boys with her, according to court documents. Local radio station KZRG reported that she left the boys alone in her vehicle at a casino in Wyandotte, Okla.

Alleged Deliberate Abandonment of the Daughter

A probable cause affidavit states that Christensen deliberately abandoned the girl without intending to return. Prosecutors determined her actions showed intent to abandon the child under circumstances that could result in serious injury or death. The four-year-old was kept safe by truck stop staff until authorities arrived.

Endangerment Claims Tied to the Sons and Drug Paraphernalia

Investigators further allege Christensen transported the two boys without appropriate child restraints. The children were within reach of suspected drug paraphernalia, including syringes. Police determined this created a substantial risk of injury to the children and other motorists.

Christensen has been charged with first-degree child abandonment, a Class B felony, and two counts of first-degree child endangerment, both Class D felonies, per an Oct. 28 police statement from the Newton County Prosecutor’s Office. All three children are in protective custody under the Missouri Children’s Division. The details appear in reporting by Casino.org.