Friday 29th March 2024

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Three of four Lincoln residents charged with felonies in relation to the death of a 4-year old girl on December 20, 2020, are due in court this week.

According to court documents, 35-year-old Ethan Joel Mast and 21-year-old Kourtney Aumen were taken into custody and charged with the murder of Jessica Mast. Each pleaded not guilty to a Class A Felony for Murder in the Second Degree; three counts of a Class A Felony for Assault in the First Degree- Serious Physical Injury; and a Class C Felony for Sexual Abuse in the First Degree. Each is being held without bond.

Jessica Mast’s parents- 28-year-old James Mast and 29-year-old Mary Mast- were arrested on December 24. Court documents say James Mast is charged with Class A and Class B Felonies for Endangering the Welfare of a Child- No Sexual Contact; and Mary Mast is charged with a Class A Felony for Endangering the Welfare of a Child- No Sexual Contact and a Class A Felony for Domestic Assault in the First Degree- Serious Physical Injury. Each is being held without bond. Each entered a plea of not guilty on December 28.

Benton County authorities say they were notified just before 1 a.m. on December 20 in regards to a 4-year-old female who was deceased. James Mast stated that his daughter had been beaten, submerged in a pond, then left to freeze on the bank before being taken back into the residence. Mary Mast and a 2-year-old male child also were beaten to a severe extent. Mary and the toddler were transported by ambulance to Bothwell Regional Hospital in Sedalia for treatment.

The Mast’s 2-year-old and infant sons have been placed in protective custody.

Hearings for Ethan and James Mast and Aumen are scheduled to be held at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, January 19, at Benton County Circuit Court. Mary Mast’s next hearing is scheduled to be held at 8 a.m. Tuesday, February 2, at Benton County Circuit Court.