Missouri Woman drowns son, 2, in a fountain then shoots dead nine-year-old daughter in car outside police station before making shock confession to cops
A 36-year-old Missouri woman walked into a police station on Tuesday morning to confess to fatally shooting her 9-year-old daughter and drowning her 2-year-old son, authorities said.
Ashley Parmeley has been charged with the second-degree murder of her son, Isaac, and charges are being prepared for the death of her daughter, Scarlett. Police found Scarlett's body in a car parked outside the station at around 10:30 a.m. local time.
Following Parmeley's confession, officers launched a frantic search for Isaac, who was later found dead in a fountain near Timber Creek Resort, approximately 13 miles from the police station in Festus, just south of St. Louis.
Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Marshak stated that another child was found safe. "So many people in our community will be impacted by this," Marshak told the media. The motive for the crime has not yet been disclosed.
Investigators believe Scarlett was shot in a residential suburban area before Isaac was drowned. Sheriff Marshak described Parmeley as having "strong ties" to the local community and noted that she had no prior trouble with the law.
When Parmeley arrived at the police station, she was described as appearing "wet" and "disheveled." Timber Creek Resort, owned by Holiday Inn, was closed on Tuesday as the investigation continued, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Photos published by the Associated Press showed police searching a silver Mazda SUV with Missouri license plates. Among the items retrieved from the vehicle was a bloody beach towel, the Post-Dispatch reported.
Officials are expected to provide an update on the case on Wednesday morning.
Festus Elementary School confirmed Scarlett's identity in a press release, noting that she had just completed the third grade. "Scarlet’s teachers and administrators say she was a bubbly, energetic, and trustworthy student. She was caring and compassionate, eager to please, with a good sense of humor," the statement read. "She could make friends with anyone and was very much looking forward to moving to the 4th grade when classes resume in August."
Local resident Chrissy Cain, who left flowers outside the police station, expressed her sorrow: "We just can’t stop thinking about it." Kaitlynn Wiley, who was with Cain, added, "I have three kids. I just can't imagine. We’re all praying for you, and I’m so sorry that this happened. My prayers and thoughts are with you for sure."
Another family friend described Scarlett as someone who enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, and playing softball.
Parmeley is being held at the Jefferson County Jail without bond. Second-degree murder carries a penalty of 10 to 30 years in prison.
Sheriff Marshak noted that the children were accounted for and alive on Monday. Parmeley had changed her Facebook profile photo to a plain black image on the morning of May 28. Another recent post featured a meme with an assault rifle and the words "Shall Not Be Infringed."
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