WHITLEY COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) – Prosecutors are now seeking the death penalty for a Williamsburg man charged with the murder of a four-year-old boy.

A new indictment accuses Adam Hayes and Brittany Slaughter of murder, abuse of a corpse and tampering with evidence.

Police say the couple had custody of four-year-old Chloe Darnel when she disappeared last September.

Darnel was found buried near a Williamsburg cemetery in November.

Court documents say prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Hayes because they believe his actions were intentional.

Previous court testimony says Hayes was the first person to discipline the boy.often spanking her for getting “wet” and leaving bruises after corporal punishment.

The couple will be arraigned again at Whitley Circuit Court on November 18.

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