A mother from Benton County, Missouri, has admitted guilt to a charge of child endangerment, linked to the tragic demise of her four-year-old daughter in December 2020.

The nation has been held captive by the chilling details of this case, where Mary Mast, the mother of the late Jessica Mast, has pleaded guilty to a first-degree child endangerment charge. In a plea agreement, the prosecutors have consented to dismiss seven other charges against Mary, provided she agrees to testify against two other individuals implicated in this case.

The prosecution has proposed a prison term of five years for Mary Mast. However, the final verdict lies in the hands of the judge who will weigh the severity of the crime and Mary's involvement in the heartbreaking incident, as reported by KY3

Multiple individuals implicated in the tragic case

Besides Mary Mast, three other individuals have been implicated in relation to Jessica's death. These include Jessica's father, James Mast, Kourtney Aumen, and Ethan Mast, who is not a relative of the family. Ethan Mast had already admitted guilt earlier in 2022.

The horrifying incident came to light when deputies were summoned to a remote residence near Cole Camp. Upon their arrival, they discovered Jessica's lifeless body, swathed in a blanket on a bedroom floor. The child bore visible signs of physical abuse, including bruises and ruptured blisters.

Investigators have pointed the finger at Ethan Mast and Courtney Aumen for the child's death, alleging they killed the girl in an attempt to "exorcise a demon".

The child was reportedly subjected to a brutal beating with a belt and submerged in a pond located behind the residence.

Additional victims of abuse within the family

As per Sheriff Eric Knox, both James and Mary Mast had also been subjected to physical abuse, along with a two-year-old child. However, an infant son of the couple was found unscathed. The rationale behind the abuse of the parents and the two-year-old child remains a mystery.

James Mast is slated to appear in court on the afternoon of January 4. Concurrently, a court date for Aumen has been scheduled for January 9. The outcomes of these court proceedings will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the case and its eventual conclusion.

The untimely death of Jessica Mast and the ensuing legal proceedings have sent shockwaves through the community.

It is prompting questions about child safety and the responsibility of parents in safeguarding their children.

Community reeling from the shock of the tragic incident

The case has left the community in a state of shock and disbelief. The horrifying nature of the crime and the involvement of the child's parents have sparked serious concerns in the community.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the community anxiously awaits justice for Jessica. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of child safety and protecting the most vulnerable.

As we continue to track this case, we hope for a swift and just resolution that brings closure to the family and the community.

The Community Awaits Justice for Jessica

• Mary Mast, Jessica Mast's mother, has admitted guilt to a first-degree child endangerment charge.
• As part of the plea agreement, seven other charges against Mary were dismissed, provided she agrees to testify against two other co-defendants.
• Four individuals, including Jessica's parents, have been implicated in connection with the child's death.
• Jessica was discovered dead in her home with visible signs of physical abuse. Investigators believe she was killed in an attempt to "exorcise a demon".
• Both of Jessica's parents and a two-year-old child were also victims of abuse.
• The case has left the community in a state of shock, raising concerns about child safety.

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