Missouri mother admits to allegedly fatally shooting daughter and drowning toddler son

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. (TCD) -- A woman is in custody after allegedly fatally shooting her 9-year-old daughter and drowning her 2-year-old son this week.

Jefferson County Sheriff Dave Marshak said on May 28 at around 10:30 a.m., a 36-year-old woman, identified by deputies as Ashley Parmeley, walked into the Festus Police Department and admitted to killing her two children. Officers found Parmeley’s daughter inside the suspect’s vehicle with a gunshot wound and attempted lifesaving measures, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to Marshak, deputies responded to Timber Creek Resort, where they found Parmeley’s 2-year-old son in a fountain. Officials attempted lifesaving measures, but they were unsuccessful.

Investigators believe Parmeley allegedly shot her 9-year-old daughter in St. Francois County before drowning her son in Jefferson County.

According to Marshak, deputies found Parmeley’s third child safe with a family member.

Parmeley remains held in the Jefferson County Jail on one count of second-degree murder without bond. The investigation into the 9-year-old victim’s death continues, and further charges through the St. Francois County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office are possible.

In a letter obtained by KMOV-TV, the 9-year-old victim’s school said, "It is with sadness and heavy hearts that the Festus R-VI School District can confirm that Scarlet Parmeley, who was the 9-year-old victim of today’s tragic events, had just successfully completed 3rd grade at Festus Elementary School. Scarlet’s teachers and administrators say she was a bubbly, energetic, and trustworthy student."