A mom from Delaware has been charged with the murder of her 3-year-old daughter, whose remains were found buried in a softball field almost two years ago. The remains of the 3-year-old girl were found buried in a softball field close to her family home in Delaware in September, 2019.
A year later, 28-year-old Kristie Haas and her husband, 39-year-old Brandon Haas, were arrested and faced multiple charges including assault, abusing a corpse, reckless burning and child abuse.
Yesterday, Tuesday, May 4, Kristie was charged with two counts of first-degree murder by abuse or neglect.
Brandon, meanwhile, was indicted last month on charges of child abuse, child endangerment and hindering prosecution.
Authorities allege that the couple deprived Emma Grace of food, while forcing her and her siblings to exercise excessively and exposing them to inappropriate discipline.
Lt. Brian Donner of the Smyrna Police Department explained on Tuesday: “While Brandon and Kristie Haas’ initial arrests provided some relief, we knew that the mission was not complete until we were able to bring a homicide charge in this case.”
The investigation into Emma Grace’s death involved the FBI, the Smyrna Police Department, and multiple other law enforcement agencies.
Rachel Byrd, acting special agent in charge of the FBI Baltimore Field Office, said: “When the most vulnerable of our citizens – our children – are victimized we will do everything in our power to hold the perpetrators accountable and to protect others from harm.”
Kristie Haas was facing up to 55 years in prison, but could now be sentenced to life if she is convicted of the new murder charges. Brandon Haas could be sentenced to as long as 45 years in prison.