In a heartbreaking development, the Whitley County Sheriff Department in Kentucky has announced the arrest of two individuals in connection with the death of 4-year-old Chloe Darnell. Brittany Slaughter, 24, who had custody of Chloe, and Adam Hayes, 34, have been charged with murder, abuse of a corpse, and tampering with physical evidence.
According to People, the young girl had not been seen alive since late September.
The body believed to be Chloe's was recovered and sent to the state medical examiner’s office in Frankfort for an autopsy and positive identification.
The discovery followed a period of growing suspicion among family and friends, who had been unable to see or communicate with Chloe for the past month.
A GoFundMe campaign, set up by a family member, described Chloe as a "bright happy child" and aimed to raise funds for her funeral and to bring her seven siblings to town for the ceremony.
The investigation, which remains active, led to the seizure of a red 2009 Mitsubishi Lancer believed to be used by Slaughter prior to Chloe’s disappearance.
The subsequent arrests of Slaughter and Hayes were announced the day after the vehicle's seizure.
This tragic case has highlighted the importance of vigilance and community awareness in safeguarding the well-being of children. The Whitley County Sheriff Department continues to seek information from the public regarding the case.
