Father of Benton County child who was killed pleads guilty to second-degree murder

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ) The father of a 4-year-old girl who died after several weeks of alleged abuse took a plea deal on Monday. James Mast, 32, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder, according to 27 th Circuit Court media coordinator Gene Hartley.

He also pleaded guilty to first-degree assault for abusing his 2-year-old son. A sentencing hearing has not been scheduled. Hartley wrote in an email that the other six counts he is accused of could be dismissed, if Mast fully cooperates with the prosecution.



Mast had been charged with first-degree murder, three counts of armed criminal action, child abuse, three counts of endangering the welfare of a child and one count of first-degree assault. The case had been moved to Bates County. Mast is still listed on the Benton County Jail roster.

The mother, Mary Mast, took a plea deal last year . The couple are accused in the beating and killing of 4-year-old Jessica Mast in December 2020. Check back for updates.

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