Candlelight Vigil Held For Child Killed In Benton County – Parents Plead Not Guilty In Murder

A candlelight vigil was held Monday night in honor of four-year-old Jessica Mast, who was killed in Benton County earlier this month.

It follows a “not guilty” plea entered by her parents, 29-year-old Mary Mast and 28-year-old James Mast, just days after being arrested in Morgan County.

They join their neighbors, 35-year-old Ethan Mast and 21-year-old Kourtney Aumen, all facing numerous felony charges in the murder.

Officials say they’re currently awaiting autopsy results for additional charges.

Speaking with our news partner KY 3 TV, Benton Sheriff Eric Knox says they will do all the can to prosecute this act to the fullest extent of the law.

At the vigil on Tuesday, Pastor Merle Yoder from Gospel Light Fellowship in Lincoln said the town is hurting.

Yoder says the church does not condone the actions of the neighbors nor the family, and that this cannot be allowed to happen again.

The Mast’s 2-year-old boy and an infant are currently being held in protective custody.