Charge Filed in Double-Homicide

Festus, Mo. (KFMO) - A criminal charge has been filed against the suspect in Tuesday’s double-homicide investigation. 

36-year-old Ashley Parmeley, of Pevely, has been charged with one count of Murder – 1st Degree. This charge stems from the death of her 2-year-old son, who was found unresponsive Tuesday morning in a body of water in the 4800 block of Highway 67, near De Soto, and was later pronounced dead.

The investigation into the death of Parmeley’s 9-year-old daughter continues, and investigators with the Sheriff’s Office intend to apply for further charges through the St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Marshak said in a press conference Tuesday afternoon that investigators believe the 9-year-old was shot in the 9000 block of Highway E in Bonne Terre.They believe this was the first of the two murders.

Parmeley is being held at the Jefferson County Jail without bond.