News : Two arrests made in the death of toddler

Mason Morgan

Kaylee Morris

The Vinton Police Department has released the following statement concerning the death of a 20-month-old, on September 22, 2024. It reads as follows.

"The Vinton Police Department, in cooperation with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the Benton County Attorney's Office have arrested two individuals identified as Kaylee Morris (23), and Mason Morgan (24) in connection with a criminal investigation involving the death of a 20-month-old child.

Mason Morgan (24) has been formally charged with the following offenses:

-Child Endangerment, Deprive Necessary Care-Death (Class B Felony)

-Neglect of Dependent Person (Class C Felony)

Kaylee Morris (23) has been formally charged with the following offense:

-Neglect of Dependent Person (Class C Felony)

On September 22, 2024, the investigation was initiated following a report of a 20-month-old who was discovered unresponsive. The child was transported to the Virginia Gay Hospital where she was declared deceased.

Due to the sensitive nature of the case and the involvement of a child, no further details will be released at this time.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty."

Morris is currently in custody at the Humbolt County Jail and the' case was transferred to the District Attorney's Office due to a conflict of interest.

Mason is in the Buchanan County Jail where he was also charged with three counts of interference with official acts. Police say there was a fight when they tried to put him in handcuffs. Three deputies had minor injuries.

In a complaint, filed by Special Agent Joshua Guhl of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, it alleges that between February 27, 2024, and September 22, 2024, Morris recklessly exposed the child to hazards she could not protect herself from.

The investigation found no underlying medical conditions that could have caused the child's decline, pointing to a lack of adequate nutrition and care over several months.

The Vinton Police Department, the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation and the Benton County Attorney's Office all worked on this case.