Couple accused of child sex crimes now charged with child abuse, murder
CHILHOWEE, Mo. (KCTV) - A Missouri couple accused of decades of child sex crimes will now also face charges of child abuse and murder after an infant died during an at-home birth 15 years prior.
Johnson County, Missouri, Circuit Court records filed on Thursday, Jan. 23, have revealed that Yvonne P. Arnold and Gregory Arnold, co-defendants in a child sex crimes case, have now been charged with child abuse and murder.
A probable cause statement filed by the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office indicated that in May 2024, it was reported that Yvonne had given birth at her home in Chilhowee. Labor lasted around 12 hours after which, the infant only lived for about one hour.
According to at least one witness, Yvonne was told to go to the hospital before and after the birth but refused. Both Arnolds allegedly refused to help clear the child’s airway. Yvonne allegedly told a witness she knew the child was going to die.
Witnesses told investigators that they were made to craft a grave for the child and were told they were not allowed to tell anyone. The infant’s body displayed multiple blisters believed to have been the size of a hand.
Investigators noted that the Arnolds knew the child was sick but refused to provide it with medical care before it died.
Law enforcement officials indicated that a search warrant was executed at the home, during which an excavation revealed the infant’s burial site. Both Arnolds were taken into custody in September on child sex crimes charges related to a separate case.
In this case, decades of child sex crimes were documented.
As a result of this investigation, Yvonne and Gregory have been charged with child abuse and murder in the second degree. As of Thursday, both Arnolds remain behind bars with no bond listed. An initial appearance has been scheduled for 9 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 24.
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