Amy Rinkler, 40, is now facing a child‑abuse charge after a Missouri mother was accused of pressuring her daughter to fabricate abuse allegations against the child’s father, threatening “or be killed” amid a fierce custody battle.
The alleged misconduct spans from 2024 to 2026, according to a probable‑cause arrest affidavit.
Aurora police launched their investigation in April after receiving a child‑abuse report. The girl told officers she felt unsafe at her mother’s house because Rinkler allegedly threatened her life.
She further explained that her mother instructed her to claim the father “hit, kicked and cursed at her,” even though the accusations were false. Police say Rinkler made the child rehearse written statements late at night or on weekends, resorting to physical punishment if the girl erred. The affidavit also notes that the mother repeatedly insulted her, calling her “stupid” and using harsh language.
Counselors who spoke with the girl described her emotional state as “terrible.” She kept her head down, avoided eye contact, refused to speak, and would not let anyone touch her, officers reported.
A counselor concluded that the trauma the girl endured “certainly aligns with her fear of seeing her mother and sister after being coerced to lie or be killed.”
Police indicated that officials handling the custody case were skeptical of earlier statements from the girl and her sister because the accounts were “largely identical” and appeared to be shaped by their mother.
Rinkler denies coaching her daughter, threatening her, or possessing the folder containing the fabricated statements, the affidavit states.
She was booked into the Lawrence County Jail on Wednesday and remains held without bond. Her next court appearance is scheduled for October 19.
Leave a Reply