1 of 2 Jury Trials Set in Child Starvation Death in Dent County

(Steelville) 44-year-old Susan Abney of Dent County now knows when her murder trial will be.

She and her husband, 51-year-old Randall Abney are facing the charges of second degree murder and abuse or neglect of a child resulting in death.

Susan’s case is now being heard in Crawford County and her jury trial is scheduled to begin March 7th of 2022.

Her plea hearing is scheduled for December 14th of this year.

Randall Abney will have his trial setting May 24th at the courthouse in Salem.

The couple is accused of killing their 10-year-old stepchild.

The Abney’s were arrested on October 3rd of 2020 at their rural home, located between Salem and Boss, after police found young Josie Ann Abney in an extreme starving condition.

She died the next day from severe cachexia and protein calorie malnutrition.

Josie weighed only 34-pounds.

The Abney’s adopted Josie in 2013.