Brittany Slaughter, 24, and Adam Hayes, 34, both residents of Williamsburg, Kentucky, have been arrested and charged in relation to the death of 4-year-old Chloe Darnell, who had not been seen since September, according to NBC News reports.
Chloe was reported missing on Wednesday, and on Friday, authorities announced the discovery of her body. The Whitley County Sheriff Department released a statement indicating that a body believed to be Chloe’s had been recovered and sent for an autopsy and positive identification by the state medical examiner’s office in Frankfort.
In addition to murder charges, Slaughter and Hayes are facing accusations of abuse of a corpse and tampering with physical evidence.
A GoFundMe page was set up to assist with Chloe’s funeral expenses, identifying Slaughter as Chloe’s aunt and custodian, while Hayes was described as Slaughter’s boyfriend. Concerns arose among family and friends when they were unable to see or communicate with Chloe for the past month. A search was initiated around the residence, leading to the discovery of Chloe’s body.
The finding came shortly after authorities located a red 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer, which Slaughter had reportedly been driving before she and Chloe went missing.
The investigation remains ongoing, with the possibility of further charges, as stated by the Whitley County Sheriff Department.
