Authorities say a 7-year-old who could not swim was pushed into water deeper than his height at a Sedalia hotel.
SEDALIA, Mo. — A Missouri woman has been charged with child abuse and child endangerment after authorities said she deliberately pushed a 7-year-old boy into the deep end of a hotel swimming pool where he could not swim. The incident occurred Saturday at an indoor hotel pool in Sedalia and was captured on surveillance video, according to court records.
Prosecutors allege the child was placed in immediate danger when he was pushed into water approximately 5½ feet deep. Investigators identified the suspect as Penny Badgett and say she had no prior relationship with the boy. The case quickly moved from a poolside dispute to a criminal investigation after surveillance footage and hotel records helped police identify and locate the suspect. Authorities contend the incident created a significant risk of harm despite reports that the child did not suffer serious physical injuries.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the incident unfolded at an indoor hotel pool where several families and children had gathered over the weekend. Investigators said the 7-year-old boy was sitting near the edge of the pool when Badgett approached from behind. Surveillance footage reviewed by police allegedly showed her waiting until the child sat down before extending her foot and pushing him into the water. Officers said the section of the pool where the child landed was deeper than the boy’s height. The child, who reportedly could not swim, became frightened after entering the water. Moments later, the boy’s aunt confronted Badgett about what had happened. According to court documents, Badgett responded by saying she believed the child had been “mean to another child.” Investigators said there was no evidence that Badgett knew the boy personally or had interacted with him before the encounter.
Detectives relied heavily on security footage and hotel records during the investigation. After reviewing video from the pool area, officers examined electronic door-lock records from the hotel and linked those records to a room where Badgett was staying as a guest. Police then contacted her and attempted to conduct an interview. Court records state that Badgett declined to answer questions without an attorney present. Investigators said the situation changed after officers informed her that surveillance footage had been obtained and that she was being placed under arrest. According to the affidavit, she then acknowledged the incident, telling officers, “I know what this is about, I pushed him.” Authorities have emphasized that the child reported being scared by the event. While police have not alleged serious injuries, prosecutors argue that forcing a young child who cannot swim into deep water created a substantial risk of physical harm.
The investigation has highlighted the role modern surveillance systems can play in criminal cases. Video cameras covering the pool area reportedly provided detectives with a detailed timeline of the encounter, allowing them to compare witness accounts with recorded footage. Hotel access records further assisted investigators by narrowing the search for the suspect. Authorities have not publicly identified any prior conflict involving the children present at the pool. Investigators also have not indicated that hotel employees were directly involved in the confrontation or that staff members witnessed the alleged push before reviewing security footage. The child’s identity has not been released because he is a minor. Family members who were present at the pool reacted immediately after the incident, according to court filings, but few additional details about their statements have been publicly disclosed.
Badgett now faces charges of child abuse and endangering the welfare of a child under Missouri law. Those offenses generally focus on conduct that places a child at risk of injury or harm. Following her arrest, she was booked into the Pettis County Jail and placed on a 24-hour hold. Court records show that bond was later set at $15,000 and that she was subsequently released. Prosecutors will be required to prove the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt as the case moves through the court system. No plea had been publicly reported at the time of the latest filings, and defense attorneys had not publicly outlined a legal strategy. Future court appearances are expected to address scheduling matters, evidentiary issues, and any motions filed by either side. Surveillance footage cited in the affidavit is expected to be a central piece of evidence if the matter proceeds toward trial.
The pool area remains the focal point of the investigation as authorities continue documenting the sequence of events. Witness statements, surveillance recordings, and the statements attributed to Badgett during the arrest process form the core of the prosecution’s case. The child’s aunt was among the first people to react after the alleged push, confronting Badgett near the pool shortly afterward. The boy later told authorities that he was frightened by what happened. Investigators have released few additional details about the family’s reaction, but court records indicate that relatives were present when the incident occurred. The unusual nature of the allegations has drawn attention in the Sedalia area because investigators say the suspect and child were strangers. The case now rests largely on documentary evidence, witness testimony, and the interpretation of surveillance footage collected during the investigation.
The case remains pending in Pettis County, with future hearings expected to address evidence and scheduling matters. Prosecutors and defense attorneys will continue preparing for the next stage of proceedings as the court reviews the allegations stemming from the hotel pool incident.
Author note: Last updated June 2, 2026.