The suspects in the case of a 4-year-old girl killed on December 20, 2020, have pleaded not guilty to charges relating to her death. All four continue to be held without bond.

Just before 1 a.m. on December 20, 2020, Benton County Dispatch received a call from 28-year-old, James Mast, of rural Cole Came, stating that his 4-year-old daughter had been beaten, submerged in a pond, then left to freeze on the bank before being taken back into the residence. When deputies arrived, they found 4-year-old Jessica Mast dead on the floor of her bedroom. The mother of the deceased, 29-year-old Mary S. Mast, and a 2-year-old male child also were beaten to a severe extent. An infant child in the home was found to be unharmed. Mary and the toddler were transported by ambulance to Bothwell Regional Hospital in Sedalia for treatment.

After an investigation by Benton County Deputies, arrested 35-year-old Ethan Joel Mast and 21-year-old Kourtney Aumen, both of Lincoln. in connection to the murder of 4-year-old Jessica Mast.

After further investigation, the parents of the child, James A. and Mary S. Mast were also charged in their role in the events that led up to the girl’s death.

Each of those defendants 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 during their initial appearance in court on December 21. Ethan Mast did not appear for a hearing on Tuesday, January 5, as he has not yet retained counsel and does not wish to discuss bond or the case without representation. His case has been continued for a Bond Hearing at 8 am. on Monday, January 19, 2021. Counsel for Kourtney Aumen filed a motion to withdraw from the case at a hearing on Tuesday, January 5. Her case has also been continued for 8 a.m. on Tuesday, January 19, 2021 at Benton County Circuit Court.

James A. and Mary S. Mast, the parents, were arrested on Thursday, December 24. They have been formally charged with felonies, as well.

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. Both are being held without bond.

James and Mary Mast entered a plea of not guilty to all charges during their arraignment on December 28. Both defendants had a Bond Hearing scheduled for 8 a.m. on Tuesday, January 5. James Mast’s case has been continued for 8 a.m. Tuesday, January 19, 2021. Mary Mast’s case has been continued for 8 a.m. on Tuesday, February 2, 2021.

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