The Court has agreed a bond amount for 29-year-old Mary Mast.
Mast is facing charges stemming from her alleged role in the death of her 4-year-old daughter, Jessica Mast, on December 20.
Authorities found the 4-year-old girl deceased on the floor of a bedroom after responding to an early morning call from Jessica’s father, James Mast, that his daughter had been beaten, submerged in a pond, then left to freeze on the bank before being taken back into the residence.
When the deputy arrived, Mary Mast and a 2-year-old male child had also been beaten to a severe extent. Mary and the toddler were transported by ambulance to Bothwell Regional Hospital in Sedalia for treatment.
After speaking to James Mast, Ethan J. Mast and Kourtney Aumen were taken into custody and charged with the girl’s murder.
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. 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. James Mast posted $500,000 surety bond on January 20. Both James and Mary Mast entered a plea of not guilty on December 28.
According to Child Advocacy Against Pedophilia (CAAP) President, Tiffani Hill, Mary Mast and her Attorney John Rogers appeared in front of Judge Mark Pilley for bond hearing/reduction on Tuesday, February 2. After advocating for a $250,000 in Mary’s defense, State Prosecutor Rod Richardson advocated for no bond. Judge Mark Pilley settled for a $500,000 cash/surety bond, and GPS monitored house arrest coinciding with court, attorney and Drs. appointments. Mary’s bondsman has the option of sending her to Pennsylvania or to remain with Caleb and Suzie Schmitt. Suzie is the sister to James Mast, (co-defendant).
According to Hill, Mary Mast has a hearing in regards to termination of parental rights on Wednesday, February 3, presided by Judge Michael O Hendrickson.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Tuesday, April 6 at Benton County Circuit Court in front of Judge Mark Pilley.
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.