Man arrested for first-degree murder in death of newborn son

FRANKLIN COUNTY — The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office arrested a man related to the death of his newborn son.

On Wednesday, Feb. 14, at approximately 6:30 p.m., KBI agents and deputies arrested Jason P. Marnell, 24, of Richmond, Kansas, during a traffic stop near Highway 59 and Clark Rd., north of Richmond. Marnell was arrested on a warrant for first-degree murder and abuse of a child.

On Jan. 14, at approximately 10:40 a.m., Franklin County sheriff’s deputies responded to a medical call at 304 E. Central St. in Richmond. Upon arrival, they found an unresponsive infant. Life-saving measures were attempted, and the baby was transported to an Ottawa hospital. The infant was later identified as 1-month-old Waylon S. Marnell.

Waylon was later transferred to Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City in critical condition. The KBI was asked to assist in the investigation on Jan. 17. On Jan. 28, Waylon was removed from life-support, and he died around 3 p.m.

The investigation led agents and deputies to believe Marnell was responsible for the injuries that caused Waylon’s death.

Marnell was booked into the Franklin County Jail. The investigation is ongoing.