An Alaska couple has been charged in the August death of a 4-year-old girl in their custody.
The Alaska State Troopers issued a request for assistance in locating Sergie Krukoff III, 46, and Jackie Caswell, 47, after they were indicted last month. The search concluded with their arrest on Saturday.
Caswell faces charges including second-degree murder, criminally negligent homicide, and endangering the welfare of a child and minor. Krukoff is charged with endangering the welfare of a minor.
The investigation, as reported by the Alaska Daily News, started on August 11 when medics responded to a call. Troopers noted that the girl was hospitalized and succumbed to her injuries two weeks later, according to Monday’s hearing.
Caswell allegedly inflicted physical abuse and starvation on the girl. Palmer District Attorney Trina Sears highlighted that Caswell’s actions, which involved slapping and hitting, resulted in a severe brain injury.
A teenager in the house witnessed the abuse, Sears said. Krukoff and Caswell coached the teen to lie, who later came forward and told the truth.
A teenager revealed that Krukoff was aware of the maltreatment and also denied the girl food, which led the teen to secretly provide food to her, according to Sears.
The victim is not directly related to either of her abusers.
Bail was set at $300,000 for Caswell and $35,000 for Krukoff. Release conditions require a third-party custodian for any children and prohibit contact with each other, witnesses, or minors.
