HOPKINS COUNTY, Ky. — Manslaughter charges filed against a Hopkins County couple in connection with the death of a 10-month-old child have been dropped following a grand jury decision.

According to Kentucky State Police, Samantha Stagner and Dayton Mason were arrested in August and charged with first-degree manslaughter following the death of Stagner’s daughter, Scarlette “Marley” Witherspoon.

Investigators initially said foul play was suspected after a preliminary autopsy report revealed the child had suffered multiple blunt force injuries. Those injuries reportedly included facial lacerations, contusions to the abdomen, and internal trauma to the heart, lungs, and liver.

Court records show both Stagner and Mason were released from the Hopkins County Jail earlier this week, and the case against them has been formally closed. The decision follows the grand jury’s review of the evidence, which resulted in no indictment due to a lack of sufficient proof to proceed.

Officials with the Hopkins County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office confirmed the case was presented to the October grand jury. Kentucky State Police say the investigation remains ongoing, and additional charges could be considered pending further findings.

This report was compiled using information from Kentucky State Police, court records, and publicly available reports.

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