New trial date set for Brookings couple in child starvation case

 

November 20, 2019

 

BROOKINGS, S.D.–There is a new trial date for the two Brookings residents facing charges in the July starvation death of a three-year-old girl.

The two, 25-year-old Renae Fayant and 27-year-old  Robert Price, Jr., were both indicted  on alternate counts of second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter as well as abuse or cruelty to a minor under age 7.

Trial had originally been scheduled to begin today (Wednesday). It is now set for January 15th.

According to authorities, the three-year-old niece of Fayant, under her care for about two years, had been living in terrible conditions. She died of malnourishment and dehydration.

Brookings County States Attorney Dan Nelson says Fayant’s lawyer requested a psychological exam for her. That was granted. Price requested a new lawyer and that request was granted.

Both Price and Fayant remain jailed.