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. Aumen entered a plea of not guilty during her arraignment. Ethan Mast did not appear for his initial appearance due to lack of counsel. Aumen and Ethan Mast are charged with 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. Mary Mast continues to be held without bond. James Mast had his bond amended to $500,000 cash or surety. 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.
Ethan Mast entered a not guilty plea during his initial appearance on Tuesday, January 19. A Preliminary Hearing for Ethan Mast is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Wednesday, April 21 at Benton County Circuit Court.
The next court proceedings for James Mast and Aumen are scheduled to be held at 8 a.m. Tuesday, March 2 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.