OSWEGO – (December 4, 2013) – David Cornell Bennett, Jr., Cherryvale, today appeared in court and was advised of charges filed against him, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said.
Schmidt has charged one count of capital murder in connection with the deaths of Cami Jo Umbarger, 29, Parsons, and her three minor children. In the alternative to the capital murder charge, Schmidt filed four counts of first degree premeditated murder. The Attorney General also filed charges of one count of rape and two counts of criminal threat.
District Judge Robert J. Fleming scheduled Bennett’s next court appearance for January 17 at 1 p.m. in Oswego. Bennett remains in custody in the Labette County jail on $5 million bond.
Criminal prosecution is being handled by the Kansas Attorney General’s Office at the request of the Labette County Attorney. Criminal charges are merely accusations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.
The Kansas Attorney General's Office and other involved agencies are bound by the Kansas Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 3.6, Trial Publicity, and Rule 3.8, Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor.
Media inquiries should be directed to Don Brown, Director of Communications for the Kansas Attorney General's Office, 785-296-3459.