Trial date set for Arkansas couple accused in 6-month-old son's death

Austin Moss, left, and Jennifer Moss
Austin Moss, left, and Jennifer Moss

BENTONVILLE -- A Gentry couple learned Monday that they will go to trial this summer in connection with the death of their 6-month-old son.

Benton County Circuit Judge Robin Green scheduled a jury trial to begin July 19 for Austin Moss, 23, and Jennifer Moss, 21.

They are charged with manslaughter. The felony is punishable with a prison sentence ranging from three to 10 years. They have pleaded innocent to the charge.

The Mosses were arrested Feb. 10, 2015, 16 days after firefighters and police were called to 300 Meadow Court, No. 8, in Siloam Springs for a report of a baby who had no pulse and wasn't breathing. Attempts to save the child failed.

The baby's body was sent to the state Crime Laboratory in Little Rock for an autopsy. Preliminary results indicated that the cause of death was asphyxia due to co-sleeping.

Austin Moss told police that he woke up Jan. 25 and found his son under him, according to court documents. Austin Moss told police that he began to smoke methamphetamine Jan. 24, and he didn't go to sleep until late that night. Moss said he and his wife later smoked marijuana.

Jennifer Moss also told police that she smoked methamphetamine and marijuana, according to court documents.

They were staying with a friend in Siloam Springs.

Jennifer Moss' case had previously been suspended until the outcome of a mental evaluation. The evaluation at Ozark Guidance in Springdale found that she has the capacity to understand the proceedings against her and to assist in her defense.

A pretrial hearing is set for July 18.

Jennifer Moss is free on $75,000 bond, and Austin Moss is free on a $50,000 bond.

Metro on 03/29/2016

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