A Missouri couple who was arrested in September on child sex charges were charged last week with killing their newborn baby in 2009.
In May 2024, authorities in Johnson County were informed about Yvonne Arnold, aged 55, giving birth at her residence after enduring a 12-hour labor. As per KCTV’s coverage, the newborn survived for only an hour, and both Yvonne and her husband, Gregory Arnold, aged 56, declined to assist in clearing the baby’s airway.
Yvonne Arnold allegedly dismissed the idea of seeking medical help, stating that she was aware her baby would not survive. Witnesses claim they were instructed to discreetly prepare a burial site for the Arnolds’ infant.
As reported by KMBC, one witness informed law enforcement that the attributes of the Arnolds’ baby aligned with those commonly seen in individuals with Down syndrome. Another individual stated that they had to exhume the baby’s remains when the Arnolds relocated.
KMBC reported that investigators discovered the baby’s body in a wooden box. Investigators claimed the baby had multiple blisters that were the size of a hand.
The Arnolds were arrested in late September, when they were charged with sodomizing a child younger than 14. The victims in that case told Johnson County police that the couple physically and sexually abused them between 2004 and 2018, according to KMZU.
At the time of their arrest last year, police said they were investigating additional allegations dating back to 2005.
The Arnolds are charged with second-degree murder and abuse of a child resulting in death for their baby’s 2009 death. They remain jailed without bond.
[Feature Photo:  Johnson County Sheriff’s Office]
