An Alaska couple has been charged in the August death of a 4-year-old girl in their custody.
Alaska State Troopers put out an appeal to help them find Sergie Krukoff III, 46, and Jackie Caswell, 47, following their indictment last month, and they were ultimately taken into custody on Saturday.
Caswell is charged with second degree murder, criminally negligent homicide, endangering the welfare of a child, and endangering the welfare of a minor. Krukoff is charged with endangering the welfare of a minor.
According to the Alaska Daily News, the investigation began on August 11 when medics called them to the scene. The girl was hospitalized and died two weeks later, troopers said at a hearing on Monday.
Caswell is accused of beating the girl and starving her. Palmer District Attorney Trina Sears said that Caswell “was slapping and hitting the child,” which led to a 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.
The teen said Krukoff knew about the abuse and was also withholding food to the young girl, prompting the teen “to sneak food to the 4-year-old,” Sears said.
The victim is not directly related to either of her abusers.
Caswell was ordered held on a $300,000 bail, while Krukoff was given a $35,000 bail. Conditions for release include a third party custodian for children and no contact with each other, witnesses, or any minors.
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[Featured image: Sergie Krukoff III and Jackie Caswell/Alaska State Troopers]
