One of four area residents charged in connection with the death of a 4-year-old girl in Benton County more than a year ago changed his plea in court on Wednesday, February 23.

On December 20, 2020, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office says authorities were called to a residence in regards to an unresponsive Jessica Mast, who died from her injuries. A toddler and the girl’s mother, Mary Mast also had been beaten to a severe extent.

According to court documents, Ethan Joel Mast, of Lincoln, withdrew his plea of not guilty and entered a guilty plea as part of a plea deal at Benton County Circuit Court. He was facing felony charges of first-degree murder, first-degree assault or attempt, abuse or neglect of a child resulting in death, two counts of endangering the welfare of a child and three counts of armed criminal action. No other information is available at this time.

Kourtney Aumen, of Lincoln, Mary Mast, of Eldon, and the deceased girl’s father, James Mast, of Lincoln, also are facing multiple felony charges in the case. Aumen’s next hearing is scheduled for April 6, while Mary and James Mast are next due in court on July 1.