Two Lincoln residents have been arrested and charged in connection with the death of a child and severe beating of another child and their mother over the weekend.

According to a release from Benton County Sheriff Eric Knox, Benton County Dispatch was notified just before 1 a.m. on Sunday, December 20, regarding a 4-year-old female who was deceased. The father, 28-year-old James Mast, of a rural Cole Camp residence, 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. The mother of the deceased, 28-year-old Mary S. 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, where they are recovering.

After an investigation by Benton County Deputies, 35-year-old Ethan Joel Mast and 21-year-old Kourtney Aumen were taken into custody.

Court documents say each defendant is charged with a Class A Felony 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. The court has ordered no bond.

Each defendant pleaded not guilty during their initial appearance in court on Monday, December 21. Each defendant is due for another hearing at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, January 5, 2021, at Benton County Circuit Court.

Sheriff Knox says this is still an active investigation with the possibility of further arrests, so authorities are unable to provide any further details at this time. Further information will be provided as it develops.