Two more persons have been arrested in connection with the death of a 4-year-old girl in Benton County on Sunday, December 20.
According to a release from Benton County Sheriff Eric Knox, at approximately 7:18 p.m. on Thursday, December 24, deputies from the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office arrested 29-year-old Mary S. Mast and 28-year-old James A. Mast at a residence in Stover on warrants issued out of Benton County. They are the parents of the 4-year-old victim.
Charges being sought are a Class A felony for Endangering the Welfare of a Child in the First Degree Resulting in Death and a Class A Felony for Domestic Assault in the First Degree for Mary. Charges being sought for James are a Class A Felony for Endangering the Welfare of a child in the First Degree Resulting in Death and a Class B Felony for Endangering the Welfare of a Child in the First Degree Resulting in Serious Physical Injury. Both individuals are being held without bond.
The Mast’s 2-year-old son and infant son have been placed in protective custody.
Others originally charged include 35-year-old Ethan Joel Mast and 21-year-old Kourtney Aumen, both of Lincoln.
Court documents say each Ethan Mast and Aumen are 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 issued a statement saying, “I have received many letters, calls and e-mails of concern regarding this child’s death and the surrounding circumstances to be the actions of a cult. During interviews with investigators and the media, there have been some references to God and demons. Additional interviews have been held with family members- both local and out of state- as well as others who know the parties involved. None of the actions contained in this case are condoned by the church they attended. The investigation done so far indicates that this is an isolated incident and not the actions of a cult.”
Sheriff Knox also says, “When a crime of this magnitude occurs, it affects everyone in its aftermath from first responders to next of kin, community, church and beyond. This will continue to be an ongoing investigation as we wait for the medical examiner’s report and any further information we may be able to develop in time. Further charges may be sought by Benton County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Rod Richardson as all the evidence is considered.”
Photos from Benton County Sheriff’s Office.