A Missouri mother allegedly called police from inside her car in the parking lot of the Festus Police Department and said she'd killed her two children. When officers went outside, they reportedly found 36-year-old Ashley Parmeley and her 9-year-old daughter, Scarlet, who had a gunshot wound.
Officers attempted life-saving measures on the child, but she could not be revived. A short time later, Parmeley led police to the body of her 2-year-old son, Issac, who died by drowning.
The mother was arrested and faces first-degree murder charges in the deaths of her children. As word of the devastating killings circulated online, some noticed Parmeley had changed her Facebook profile picture to a black screen just hours before her children died. Some wondered if she was trying to send a message.
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Parmeley reportedly appeared disheveled.
Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Marshak addressed the media in a news conference on May 28, saying officers at the Festus Police Department greeted Parmeley in the parking lot, and she appeared disheveled and wet. She allegedly told them Scarlet was in the car and said Issac was at the Timber Creek Resort area in an unincorporated area of Festus.
When deputies from the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office arrived on the scene, they found the child's body unresponsive in a fountain. They tried life-saving measures, but Issac did not survive.
Police believe Parmeley shot her daughter in a nearby county and took her to Festus.
Marshak said investigators had reason to believe Parmelely shot Scarlet in St. Francois County before driving her to the police station. A probable cause statement obtained by KSDK noted that Parmeley told police she was driving on Highway E in St. Francois County and pulled over near a body of water and shot her daughter. Police reportedly obtained surveillance footage from nearby cameras, and witnesses claimed they heard a gunshot in the area.
Scarlet had just finished third grade.
The Festus R-VI School District confirmed to KSDK that Scarlet recently finished third grade at Festus Elementary School. Her teacher, Abby Tinnin, wrote a sweet note about her former student and asked people to pray for Scarlet, Issac, and the entire school community.
"Scarlet was a kind, bubbly, caring, and spunky little girl. She was always the first to join me in Classroom Karaoke. We had the best time laughing, singing, and dancing around the room. She loved telling and writing stories. She loved playing softball and talking about her little brother," Tinnin wrote. "She could carry on a conversation with just about anyone. At the end of the year, the award I chose for her was the 'Squirrel Award' because of her ability to gather people up who needed a friend and make them feel included."
Many condemned the mother's alleged actions.
While Parmeley sits in jail awaiting a court date, many took to social media to share their thoughts on the devastating deaths of two young children. The day before her children's death, Parmeley made her Facebook profile picture a black screen, and some wonder if that was a warning.
"ya that was I think suppose to be a red flag to ppl," someone wrote under her picture.
Another person pointed out, "I thought maybe she was going through a break up or something, not going to unalive (in facebook terms) her kids."
Lisa CapturesArt shared screenshots of the mother's Facebook page and some harsh words.
"These two babies faced an undeserved fate, as the disturbing nature of their own mother's recent posts is evident. A compromised mental state and family history cannot and should not justify her actions. Regardless of the circumstances, excuses for her behavior are unwarranted. Understanding the motive behind her actions is important, but it will not justify her actions. Period. Ever,"
the post noted.
Scarlet's father, Jason Daugherty, shared a message of love for his little girl.
"Dream friends and family I never thought this day would come, but I don't think any parent really does. Scarlet is no longer with us. She loved everybody she ever met and loved everything in the world. She had no hate in her heart," he wrote. "I'm not sure what words to say but her sister Alexa Lynn, her brother Alex Daugherty, and me and Jessica Daugherty will make sure that you are remember for ever. You used to say I love you so much, but what you didn't know is I always loved you first! This should not have happened . Take care of your baby brother like I thought you you both will be missed. Love dad."
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Parmeley is in jail without bond.
Per a Facebook post from the Jefferson County Prosecutor's Office, Parmeley faces charges of first-degree murder and armed criminal action. She currently sits in the Jefferson County jail without bond.
Court records show she has been assigned a public defender, but it is unclear whether she has entered a plea or when she will appear in court next.
