A Lincoln woman charged in connection with the death of a child in Benton County late last year has a court proceeding scheduled this week.

A news release says the Benton County Sheriff’s Department was called to a residence in regard to an unresponsive 4-year-old girl during the early morning hours of December 20, 2020. The girl’s father, James Mast told authorities that his daughter, Jessica, had been beaten, submerged in a pond, then left to freeze on the bank before being taken back into the residence, where she later died.

Kourtney Aumen is facing amended felony charges of first-degree murder, three counts of armed criminal action, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child, abuse or neglect of a child- no sexual contact and assault in the first degree or attempt- serious physical injury or special victim. Aumen pleaded not guilty on April 21. Aumen, who continues to be held in custody without bond, is scheduled to appear for her preliminary hearing at 9 a.m. Friday, October 29, at Benton County Circuit Court.

Three others- Ethan Mast, James Mast and Mary Shirk Mast, the girl’s mother- also are facing felony charges and are due in court at later dates.