Parmeley Waives Formal Arraignment

Jefferson Co., MO (KFMO) - The 36-year-old Jefferson County mother, who took the life of her two children Tuesday, was expected to appear in court Thursday afternoon. She instead now has a public defender representing her and waived her formal arraignment.

Since Ashley Parmeley, of Pevely, decided to waive her arraignment, the judge did not have to read official charges against her or the potential sentencing she could face.

According to Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Marshak, Parmeley walked into the Festus Police Department Tuesday morning, at around 10:30 a.m., and told police that she had shot her 9-year-old daughter Scarlet and drowned her 2-year-old son Isaac.

Police immediately went outside and found Scarlet inside the SUV, with gunshot wounds. They attempted life-saving measures but were unsuccessful. Authorities also went to Timbercreek Resort, south of DeSoto, and found Parmeley's son drowned in a fountain. They also attempted life-saving measures, but were too unsuccessful.

A camera in St. Francois County showed the same vehicle in the area where Parmeley shot her daughter. A witness also heard a gunshot at the same time.

A preliminary hearing for Parmeley has been scheduled for June 6.