Missouri 4 year old allegedly killed by parents trying to ‘cast demons out’ of her

Both were charged with felony child endangerment resulting in death. Mary Mast also faces a first-degree domestic assault charge, and James Mast one of endangering the welfare of a child in the first degree resulting in serious physical injury.

According to local outlet KMBC News, police found the girl dead on Dec. 20 at her home. She had been severely beaten and then dunked in a frigid body of water in an attempt at some sort of makeshift exorcism, said the Benton County Sheriff's Office.

Ethan Mast (not related to the victim's family) and Kourney Aumen apparently did the "ritual" themselves at the parent's behest. They are both charged with second-degree murder, among other offenses. All four adults involved in the incident are being held without bond.

Allegedly both parents were also beaten, along with an unidentified two-year-old child. The Masts have an infant son who, it appears, was not harmed in the incident.

Benton County Sheriff Eric Knox released the following statement on Thursday:

"I have received many letters, calls and emails of concern regarding this child’s death and the surrounding circumstances to be the actions of a cult. During interviews with investigators and the media, there have been some references to God and demons. Additional interviews have been held with family members, both local and out of state, as well as others who know the parties involved. None of the actions contained in this case are condoned by the church they attended. The investigation done so far indicates that this is an isolated incident and not the actions of a cult."

"When a crime of this magnitude occurs, it affects everyone in its aftermath from first responders to next of kin, community, church and beyond. This will continue to be an ongoing investigation as we wait for the medical examiner’s report and any further information, we may be able to develop in time. Further charges may be sought by Benton County Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Rod Richardson as all the evidence is considered."