93.9 The Eagle – The News and Talk of Columbia, MO
A former Columbia resident remains jailed without bond this morning in northwest Missouri’s St. Joseph, charged with first degree murder for the 2017 death of his infant daughter.
The first degree murder charge is significant, because it means Boone County prosecutors believe they can prove the infant’s death was premeditated. The case is being handled by veteran Boone County assistant prosecutor Susan Boresi, who tells 939 the Eagle that a decision has not been made about whether to seek the death penalty against Fountain.
It’s unclear when Fountain will be transported to the Boone County jail.
Meantime, Columbia Police Chief Geoff Jones says the murder of infant Samone Daniels has been difficult for CPD officers and investigators.
“There’s something about working kid cases that really hits a lot of police officers. I think part of that is just the vulnerability of kids,” Chief Jones says.
Chief Jones the infant didn’t have a chance. The infant’s remains were found in a tire near Columbia’s North Providence in August 2019.
The father is charged in Boone County with first degree murder. The mother, 28-year-old Lavosha Daniels, is charged with abandonment of a corpse. Chief Jones tells “Wake Up Columbia” that detectives have interviewed the parents, adding that both gave valuable statements. The chief tells listeners that there’s indications that Fountain wanted to kill the infant previously.
“In those statements and in the investigation we found that there had been a desire and effort, at least spoken, to kill Samone prior to Samone being killed,” says Jones.
You can listen to our full “Wake Up Columbia” interview with Chief Jones here.
