The Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has upgraded its charge against a Pevely mother who is accused of killing her children to first-degree murder.
On Wednesday evening, May 29, the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Ashley Parmeley, 36, of Pevely with first-degree murder, a class A felony, in the death of her 2-year-old son. The office had previously charged her with second-degree murder, a class A felony.
According to Missouri state statutes, first-degree murder is punishable by either death or life imprisonment without eligibility for probation, parole or release except by act of the governor. Second-degree murder is punishable by 10 to 30 years or life in prison
Prosecuting Attorney Trisha Stefanski said in a Facebook post the charge was upgraded after her office received additional information from investigators.
Parmeley, who has lived in Festus as well, also has been charged in St. Francois County with first-degree murder and armed criminal action, an unclassified felony that carries a penalty of three to 15 years in prison for allegedly shooting and killing her 9-year-old daughter, according to court records.
She was being held today, May 30, in the Jefferson County Jail in Hillsboro.
According to probable-cause statements from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Parmeley went to the Festus Police Station, 100 Park Ave., on Tuesday morning, May 28, and told officers she killed her children.
The Sheriff’s Office has not identified the victims. However, the Festus R-6 School District sent a letter to parents Tuesday identifying the girl as Scarlet Parmeley.
A GoFundMe page has been set up for both of the children’s families. The page set up for the boy identifies him as Isaac.
In a probable-cause statement filed Wednesday by the Sheriff’s Office, Parmeley allegedly said she had tried to “sacrifice” Isaac before she shot Scarlet.
Sheriff Dave Marshak said investigators believe Parmeley shot her daughter on Tuesday in the 9000 block of Hwy. E near Bonne Terre, which is in St. Francois County, and then drove to the Timber Creek Resort, at 4800 Hwy. 67 south of Olympian Village, with her daughter and son in the SUV.
Marshak said investigators believe Parmeley tried to kill Isaac in St. Francois County before he was drowned at the resort. However, Marshak would not say what method Parmeley used in the alleged previous attempt to kill the boy.
Parmeley reportedly told investigators Isaac began crying after Scarlet was shot, and the boy was alive when she drove to the resort. Deputies found Isaac’s body in a fountain near the resort’s entrance, according to the report.
Parmeley also allegedly told investigators she held Isaac under water for approximately four to five minutes, causing his death, the report said.
Marshak said Parmeley arrived at the Festus Police Station at about 10:30 a.m. Tuesday and looked disheveled and wet.
After Parmeley’s alleged confession, Festus Police officers found Scarlet in the trunk of the Mazda SUV she had been driving. Scarlet had a gunshot wound and was pronounced dead at the scene, the probable-cause statement said.
Marshak said a gun was found in the SUV.
Parmeley told investigators she was driving in St. Francois County and pulled off to the side of the road and shot Scarlet. Surveillance video showed the Mazda in the area where she said she pulled over, and residents reported hearing a gunshot during that time, the report said.
Authorities have not reported a possible motive, and Marshak said he was not aware of any previous police interaction with Parmeley.
Court records show Parmeley had been cited for various traffic infractions and was part of a court case involving the custody of a child. Court records show Parmeley and Jason Daugherty, who is Scarlet’s father, went to court over a child's custody in February 2015. A month later, Daugherty was ordered to pay $333 per month plus health insurance for the child.
About 500 people attended a prayer service for the children on Wednesday night at the Twin City Little League Field No. 2, 133 Little League Drive, in Crystal City. Scarlet played on one of the league’s teams. During the vigil, balloons were released on the field, and Scarlet’s team played a game.
The Festus School District had its counselors, along with counselors from Compass Health, available for students and staff on Wednesday at Festus Elementary School, where Scarlett attended classes. The district also has counselors available today during summer school.
In a letter to parents, the Festus School District described Scarlet as a “bubbly, energetic and trustworthy student,” adding that “she could make friends with anyone and she was very much looking forward to moving to the fourth grade when classes resume in August.” The district’s last day of the 2023-2024 school year was May 24.
A memorial for Scarlet is located near the entrance to the Elementary School, and a memorial for both children is outside the Festus Police Station.