Father Arrested in Connection with Newborn Son’s Death in Franklin County

FRANKLIN COUNTY — The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office have made an arrest in connection with the tragic death of a newborn baby boy. Jason P. Marnell, a 24-year-old resident of Richmond, Kansas, was apprehended by KBI agents and deputies during a traffic stop near Highway 59 and Clark Road, just north of Richmond, according to a media release from the KBI. Marnell has been taken into custody on charges of first-degree murder and child abuse.

The incident unfolded on January 14 when Franklin County sheriff’s deputies responded to a medical emergency at 304 E. Central Street in Richmond around 10:30 a.m. Upon arrival, they discovered an unresponsive infant. Desperate attempts were made to save the baby’s life, and he was swiftly transported to an Ottawa hospital. The infant, identified as 1-month-old Waylon S. Marnell, was later transferred to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City in critical condition. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of medical professionals, Waylon’s condition deteriorated, and he was removed from life-support on January 28, passing away around 3 p.m.

The KBI, on January 17, was called upon to lend its expertise to the investigation. As a result of their thorough efforts, agents and deputies have concluded that Jason P. Marnell is responsible for the injuries that led to Waylon’s tragic demise. Marnell has now been placed under arrest and is currently being held at the Franklin County Jail.