Woman charged in Benton County child death waives jury trial

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A woman charged in the murder of a 4-year-old in Benton County has waived her right to a jury trial.

Kourtney Aumen is charged with first-degree murder, child abuse, child endangerment and assault. She is accused of being part of the murder of 4-year-old Jessica Mast in December 2020. Mast’s parents have pleaded guilty. The sheriff’s office says Jessica was severely beaten before she died.

Her father reportedly told authorities that Jessica had been beaten, submerged in a pond then left outside in the cold before being taken back inside.

Court documents show that through her lawyer, Aumen waived her right to a jury trial.  She still needs a judge’s approval, but this would mean a judge would decide if she is guilty.

Aumen was ruled competent to stand trial this week.