Two individuals from Williamsburg, a town in southeastern Kentucky, have been charged in the tragic murder of a 4-year-old girl who had been missing since September, according to recent news reports.

Arrests Made in Connection with 4-Year-Old’s Death

Brittany Slaughter, aged 24, and Adam Hayes, aged 34, were arrested on Friday in relation to the death of Chloe Darnell, as reported by NBC News. Both individuals are residents of Williamsburg.

Missing Girl Found Deceased

Chloe was reported missing on Wednesday, prompting an extensive search effort. Tragically, authorities discovered her lifeless body on Friday, ending hopes for her safe return. The Whitley County Sheriff Department confirmed the recovery of a body, believed to be Chloe’s, which was subsequently sent to the state medical examiner’s office in Frankfort for an autopsy and positive identification, as stated in a Facebook post by the department.

Multiple Charges Filed

Slaughter and Hayes now face charges of murder, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with physical evidence. These serious accusations highlight the severity of the crime they are alleged to have committed.

Aunt and Boyfriend Accused

Chloe’s aunt, Brittany Slaughter, had custody of the child, according to a GoFundMe page set up to assist with funeral expenses. The page, created by Tricia Hess, a self-described family member, also identified Adam Hayes as Slaughter’s boyfriend.

Fears Arise from Lack of Contact

Friends and family members became increasingly concerned when they were unable to see or communicate with Chloe for an entire month, leading to suspicions regarding her well-being. This mounting worry prompted them to conduct a search around the house and nearby woods, ultimately resulting in the devastating discovery of her lifeless body, as mentioned in the GoFundMe post.

Key Vehicle Found

Prior to Slaughter and Chloe’s disappearance, a red 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer, reportedly driven by Slaughter, was found by authorities. This crucial find likely played a pivotal role in the investigation, aiding in the identification and apprehension of the suspects involved.

Ongoing Investigation

The Whitley County Sheriff Department emphasized that the case remains an active investigation. As such, further charges could be forthcoming as law enforcement officials strive to uncover all relevant details surrounding this heart-wrenching incident.