FORT TOTTEN, ND (nomadnews.i234.me) – A federal jury trial date of June 25th has been scheduled, marking a pivotal moment in the harrowing case surrounding the death of three-year-old Ariana McKay. The young girl, laid to rest near St. Jerome’s Church in Fort Totten, North Dakota, tragically passed away on August 27th, 2022, at the Minnesota Children’s Hospital in Minneapolis.
Court documents reveal disturbing details of Ariana’s final moments. Allegedly, she ingested liquid Tylenol while under the care of her father, Austin Lester, and his girlfriend, Krissy Hinsley. This incident adds to a litany of neglect and abuse Ariana suffered, including reported assaults with a wooden back scratcher attributed to Lester.
Both Lester and Hinsley are now facing serious charges in connection to Ariana’s death. Lester is charged with assault of a child, while both defendants face charges of involuntary manslaughter and two counts of child neglect. These charges stem from accusations of leaving Ariana unsupervised and failing to seek timely medical care.
As the trial date looms, the community awaits justice for Ariana, whose short life was marred by tragedy and neglect.
I’m Neil Berg reporting for nomadnews.i234.me