Kentucky Couple Charged After Baby's Body Found Outside Home

Authorities say the couple initially claimed the mother had a miscarriage.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A married couple in Kentucky has been accused of killing their baby after the mother claimed to suffer a miscarriage, only for the baby's lifeless body to later be found outside of their home. Deeann Bennett, 27, and Charles Bennett, 32, were arrested and charged with reckless homicide and concealing the birth of an infant. Deeann was also charged with tampering with physical evidence and abuse of a corpse.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complex and tragic circumstances surrounding alleged infanticide, as well as the challenges law enforcement faces in investigating such sensitive and disturbing crimes. It also raises questions about access to prenatal and postnatal care, mental health support for new parents, and the need for comprehensive policies to address infant mortality.

The details

According to authorities, the investigation began on November 29, 2024, when state police responded to a 911 call about a woman who had a 'possible miscarriage.' The woman was later identified as Deeann Bennett. When Deeann and her husband Charles were at the hospital, they told authorities that the infant remained at their residence in Booneville, Kentucky. Police then found the unresponsive infant's body outside the home.

  • On November 29, 2024, state police responded to a 911 call about a woman who had a 'possible miscarriage'.
  • On February 9, 2026, Deeann and Charles Bennett were arrested and charged.

The players

Deeann Bennett

A 27-year-old woman who was charged with reckless homicide, concealing the birth of an infant, tampering with physical evidence, and abuse of a corpse.

Charles Bennett

The 32-year-old husband of Deeann Bennett, who was charged with reckless homicide and concealing the birth of an infant.

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What they’re saying

“Troopers and detectives responded to the residence, where they located an unresponsive infant over an embankment outside the home.”

— Justin Kearney, KSP Post 7 Public Affairs Officer (Kentucky State Police)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on March 2 whether or not to allow Deeann and Charles Bennett out on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the need for greater access to prenatal and postnatal care, as well as mental health support, to prevent such devastating outcomes. It also highlights the complex legal and ethical issues surrounding alleged infanticide that lawmakers and law enforcement must grapple with.