Smyrna-related infant's death trial continued until 2023
By SMYRNA — The trial of a man and woman charged after an toddler’s remains were discovered near a softball field more than three years ago has been delayed until 2023.
Brandon L. Haas, 41, and Kristie L. Haas, 30, were arrested in October 2020 in connection with the death of Emma Grace Cole, whose body was found Sept. 13, 2019.
The trial has been continued to July 10, 2023, according to the Delaware Department of Justice.
While the proceedings had been scheduled to begin this week at one point, continuances were granted to both prosecuting and defense attorneys in May and October, so they could have more time to prepare. Those requests were made without opposition.
Ms. Haas was the late child’s biological mother and Mr. Haas her stepfather. Smyrna police estimated that the child was 3 years old when she died.
Upon their arrests, police described the defendants as former Smyrna residents, who were married at the time.
Ms. Haas is charged with:
• Endangering the welfare of a child by doing or failing to do acts resulting in a child’s death (two counts).
• First-degree child abuse causing serious physical injury to a child through abuse/neglect.
• Endangering the welfare of a child with the intent to injure or knowingly/recklessly injuring a child, causing death.
• Second-degree assault by recklessly or intentionally causing serious injury.
• Endangering the welfare of a child with the intent to injure or knowingly/recklessly injuring a child.
• Hindering prosecution by delaying, preventing or hindering discovery.
• Abusing a corpse.
• Reckless burning or exploding (under $1,500 total for all victims).
• First-degree murder by abuse or neglect, recklessly causing the death of a child (two counts).
The two counts of murder are based on different legal theories on how the case may be prosecuted.
Mr. Haas is charged with:
• Endanger welfare of child do/fail to do acts result in child’s death (two counts). FIX: Endangering the welfare of a child by doing or failing to do acts resulting in a child’s death (two counts).
• First-degree child abuse causing serious physical injury to a child through abuse/neglect.
• Endangering the welfare of a child intent/knowingly/recklessly injure child cause death (four counts) FIX: Endangering the welfare of a child with the intent to injure or knowingly/recklessly injuring a child, causing death (four counts).
• Hindering prosecution by delaying, preventing or hindering discovery
Superior Court Judge Noel Eason Primos is assigned to the case.
On Monday, the Victim Identification and Notification Everyday database showed that Ms. Haas was being held at Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution in New Castle. Mr. Haas is under supervised custody, according to the database.
