Two Graves Co. residents charged in death of two-year-old

Two Graves County residents have been arrested on a manslaughter charge following investigation into the death of a young child. 

According to a news release from Kentucky State Police, troopers responded to a residence on KY-849 in Graves County in June for reports of a two-year-old child that was found in a backyard pool and was unresponsive. Life-saving measures were initiated, but the toddler was pronounced deceased after being transported to a local hospital.

An investigation began into the circumstances of the child’s death, along with the conditions of other children in the home.

On October 3, a Graves County Grand Jury returned indictments against 27-year-old Nathaniel Purcell—the father of the deceased child—and 26-year-old Courtney Amacher, Purcell’s girlfriend who resided in the home.

Both are charged with second-degree manslaughter, seven counts of first-degree wanton endangerment, four counts of second-degree criminal abuse against a child under 12 years of age and possession of drug paraphernalia. Purcell is additionally charged with tampering with physical evidence. 

Both were arrested.