Two people from Graves County arrested on homicide and child abuse charges

MELBER, Ky. (KFVS) – Kentucky State Police arrested two Graves County residents on manslaughter charges after investigating the death of a child.

According to KSP, on June 17, officers responded to a residence on KY-849 in Graves County for a report of a two-year-old child who was unresponsive after being found in a backyard pool.

Police officers and other first responders attempted life-saving measures. However, the child was pronounced dead after being transported to an area hospital.

A joint investigation between KSP investigators and the Department of Community-Based Services was conducted into the circumstances of the child’s death, as well as the conditions of other children living at the home.

On October 3, the facts of the investigation were presented to the Graves County Grand Jury. 27-year-old Nathaniel Purcell, the father of the deceased child, and 26-year-old Courtney Amacher, Purcell’s girlfriend who also lives at the home, have both been charged with multiple crimes related to the investigation.

On October 11, both individuals were arrested pursuant to charging warrants.

Purcell was charged with second-degree manslaughter, seven counts of first-degree wanton endangerment, four counts of second-degree criminal abuse – child under 12, tampering with evidence and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Amacher was charged with second-degree manslaughter, seven counts of first-degree wanton endangerment, four counts of second-degree criminal mistreatment – child under 12 – and possession of drug paraphernalia.

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