New charges in St. Francois County for mother accused in children’s deaths
ST. FRANCOIS COUNTY, Mo. – A Missouri mother who turned herself into Jefferson County authorities on Tuesday, informing officers that she shot one of her children and drowned another, now faces charges in a second county amid the investigation.
The St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Ashley Parmeley, 36, with first-degree murder and armed criminal action.
On Tuesday evening, prosecutors in Jefferson County charged Parmeley with one count of second-degree murder.
Parmeley went to the Festus Police Department around 10:30 a.m. Tuesday and told officers she had shot one of her children and drowned the other. Festus police found her nine-year-old daughter in the back of Parmeley’s SUV with gunshot wounds. Officers tried to save the girl, but to no avail.
After that, officers responded to Timbercreek Resort on Highway 67, where Parmeley’s two-year-old son was found deceased from a reported drowning.
The second-degree murder charge from Tuesday stems from the drowning at Timber Creek Resort.
New charges stem from the death of the nine-year-old girl. Investigators said the girl was fatally shot in St. Francois County before she was found in the vehicle outside the Festus Police Department.
According to a probable cause statement, Parmeley pulled off the road near a lake or pond at a confidential address, where she allegedly shot her daughter. Video footage showed a vehicle near that scene, and witnesses reported hearing gunshots from the location.
Festus School District officials identified the nine-year-old as Scarlet Parmeley. A district statement described her as a bubbly, energetic, and trustworthy student. Scarlet would have started the fourth grade in August.
“This situation is a tragedy for the community; it’s a tragedy for the family and the victims, and anybody that knows this family,” Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Marshak said Tuesday during a news conference.
Court documents did not indicate any potential motives or underlying circumstances in connection with either of the deaths.
Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney Trisha C. Stefanski addressed why Parmeley is facing a lesser charge at the moment.
“The charge that has been filed is based on the evidence that has been presented to our office thus far. Our office will continue to evaluate the case as we receive more evidence,” Stefanski said in a statement to FOX 2. “Our office will not comment further as this is still an active investigation.”
Memorials for the two children have been growing outside of Festus City Hall. The Festus R-VI School District said Scarlet was caring, compassionate, and eager to please.
Britney Shrout was Scarlet’s former gymnastics teacher. She stopped at the memorial to pay her respects and reflect on cherished memories.
“She would give us the biggest hugs,” Shrout said.
Shrout knew Ashley Parmeley and said there were no signs indicating she was in distress. Festus resident Mary Bonifacio said the entire community is mourning the loss of both children.
“They’re still just very much in shock about it and disbelief,” she said.
Steven Schult has a sister who was friends with Scarlet. He said she had a lot of good memories and is struggling over the loss of her friend.
“I’ve been crying a lot seeing my sister so upset,” he said.
GoFundMe accounts have been set up for the families of both the nine-year-old and the two-year-old.
Memorial at each scene where each child was found dead. Courtesy: Abigail Palmer Memorial at each scene where each child was found dead. Courtesy: Abigail Palmer
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