Parmeley also gained custody of her then 11-year-old niece while the case for who’d be Scarlet’s main guardian played out. The niece stayed with Parmeley until she turned 18, KMOV reported.

The Parmeley family, not just Ashley, has a history of extreme violence. Parmeley’s uncle was convicted in the 1999 murder of his parents, who were her grandparents, KMOV reported.

Neighbors of Parmeley spoke out and shared their utter disbelief that her kids are now dead.

Brandy Trask, who lives near the Parmeley home in Festus, told Fox 8 that her daughter played with Scarlet. Trask said she saw the Scarlet every day and didn’t see any signs that she was unhappy or had trouble at home.

‘I can’t fathom why this would happen to anybody, let alone to two sweet children that had nothing but love in their hearts,’ Trask said.

Ginny Russell also has a daughter that played with Scarlet out in the neighborhood.

‘She was just an amazing little girl,’ Russell said of Scarlet.

Parmeley’s family has a history of violence local outlets report. Parmeley’s uncle was convicted in the 1999 murder of his parents, who were her grandparents.

A vigil was held Wednesday evening for both children. All the games at the local Little League fields were canceled except for a softball game Scarlet’s team was playing in.

At the start of the game, her teammates released balloons in her honor, Fox 8 reported.

Scarlet was set to move into fourth grade at Festus Elementary School next year.

‘Scarlet’s teachers and administrators say she was a bubbly, energetic, and trustworthy student. They say she was caring and compassionate, eager to please, with a good sense of humor,’ a statement from the school read.

‘She could make friends with anyone and she was very much looking forward to moving to the 4th grade when classes resume in August.’

Parmeley is being held at the Jefferson County Jail without bond.

Now that she faces two first degree murder charges, Parmeley could be sentenced to death or life in prison with the possibility of parole.