16 February 2024
OTTAWA, Kan. — A 24-year-old Richmond, Kansas man has been arrested and charged related to the death of his newborn son.
The Kansas Bureau of Investigation says Jason Marnell was arrested Wednesday night by KBI agents and Franklin County sheriff’s deputies during a traffic stop near Highway 59 and Clark Road, just north of Richmond.
Franklin County District Attorney Brandon Jones confirms with FOX4 Marnell has been charged with first-degree murder and abuse of a child.
On Jan. 14, Franklin County sheriff’s deputies responded to a medical call at a home in Richmond, according to KBI.
KBI said when deputies arrived on scene they found an unresponsive infant. Life-saving measures were attempted and the baby was taken to an Ottawa hospital. The infant was later identified as 1-month-old Waylon S. Marnell.
Waylon was later transferred to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City in critical condition. The KBI was asked to help in the investigation on Jan. 17.
On Jan. 28, KBI said Waylon was removed from life-support, and he died around 3 p.m.
KBI said the investigation led agents and deputies to believe Marnell was responsible for the injuries that caused the infant’s death.
Marnell had his first court appearance Thursday and is being held in the Franklin County jail.
The investigation is ongoing.