Kentucky couple charged with manslaughter after child found unresponsive in backyard pool

GRAVES COUNTY, Ky. (WCHS) – An investigation into the death of a young child found lifeless in a pool has led to multiple charges against two Graves County, Kentucky, residents, cops said.

The child’s father, 27-year-old Nathaniel Purcell, and his girlfriend, 26-year-old Courtney Amacher, both of Melber, were charged with second-degree manslaughter, seven counts of first-degree wanton endangerment and four counts of aggravated assault, according to a Kentucky State news release The charges are second-degree criminal abuse and possession of drug paraphernalia. Purcell is also charged with tampering with physical evidence.

The news release said in June, officers were dispatched to a home on Route 849 due to an unresponsive child in a backyard pool. According to police, the child was taken to an area hospital, but life-saving measures failed.

Investigators worked with the Department of Community-Based Services to investigate the deaths and conditions of other children living at the home. The investigation was presented to a grand jury in October and the couple was later arrested on a warrant.

Purcell is being held at the Ballard County Detention Center while Amacher is being held at the Marshall County Detention Center.