VARSAW, Mo (KY3) – The parents of a 4-year-old girl, Stover, Mo, face charges after investigators say her daughter was stuck in an icy pond and beat her to death. “demons.”
Deputies arrested Mary S. Mast, 29, and James A. Mast, 28 on Christmas Eve. Mary Mast faces charges of endangering a child’s well-being and causing death and domestic assault. James Mast faces charges of endangering a child’s well-being and causing death, of endangering a child’s well-being, causing serious injury. A judge did not set any bail for the couple. Deputies placed a second child at home in protective custody.
Ethan Mast, 35, and Kourtney Aumen, 21, face second-degree murder and other crimes. Both remain imprisoned. Despite having the same last names, Mary and James Mast are not related to Ethan Mast.
Deputies responded at 1 a.m. Sunday, Dec. 30, to a cottage near the town of Cole Camp and found the 4-year-old wrapped in a blanket on a one-bedroom floor. Investigators said the girl was already dead and had “severe purple bruises” on her body, along with broken bottles. Sheriff Knox said the girl’s parents had also been beaten along with a 2-year-old boy. Apparently, a child of the couple was unharmed.
Ethan Mast told investigators Saturday that he and Aumen used a leather belt to beat the girl, according to the statement. She was then taken to a pond behind the house, where she was “submerged” in water one day when the temperature was high in the 1940s. Ethan Mast said everyone returned to the victims ’home. It was not clear when the child died. The autopsy will determine the cause of death. Knox said evidence indicates she was beaten to death.
Sheriff Eric Knox posted a statement about the case on Facebook.
“I have received many letters, calls and emails of concern about the death of this child and the circumstances surrounding him for being the actions of a cult. During interviews with researchers and the media, there have been some references to God and demons. Additional interviews have been held with family members, both local and out of state, as well as with others who know the parties involved. None of the actions contained in this case are accepted by the church they attended. The research done so far indicates that this is an isolated incident and NOT the actions of a cult.
When a crime of this magnitude occurs, it affects everyone in its consequences, from lifeguards to closest relatives, community, church and beyond. This will continue to be an ongoing investigation as we await the forensic doctor’s report and any other information we may develop in time. Benton County Deputy Attorney General Rod Richardson may apply for other charges, as all evidence is considered. “
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