Stepfather pleads in connection with case of toddler's charred remains found in Smyrna
EDITOR'S NOTE: A previous version of this story incorrectly identified Emma Grace Cole's next-of-kin. It is her father, Joshua Douthitt.
A 41-year-old man who was arrested in connection with the death of a 3-year-old girl whose remains were found in a Smyrna softball field pleaded guilty to four counts of endangering the welfare of a child, according to court documents unsealed Wednesday.
One of those charges is a felony carrying a prison sentence of up to five years, while the others are misdemeanors each carrying up to one year in prison.
Word of Brandon Haas' plea came several days after Delaware Online/The News Journal learned his wife, 31-year-old Kristie Cole Haas, had pleaded guilty to murdering her daughter, Emma Grace Cole. The child's charred remains were found on Sept. 13, 2019, by a person walking their dog at the Little Lass softball fields in Smyrna.
Similarly to Kristie Cole Haas, Brandon Haas' plea had not initially been divulged to the public, including numerous family members of the child.
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The Delaware Department of Justice told Delaware Online/The News Journal on Thursday that the case had been under a gag order that limited the state’s ability "to discuss sensitive elements of the case, including the existence of a possible plea, with anyone who is not next of kin as defined in the Victims’ Bill of Rights."
Emma Grace's father, Joshua Douthitt, is considered next-of-kin. The Delaware Department of Justice said it was in touch with Douthitt "early and often, including with respect to the plea agreement."
In the Thursday morning hearing, Kristie Cole Haas pleaded guilty to murder by abuse or neglect, as well as endangering the welfare of a child and abuse of a corpse. While sentencing will occur at a later date, the plea agreement with the state is that she spends 30 years behind bars before being eligible for release.
A judge can, however, give her up to life in prison.
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Brandon Haas — who is not Emma Grace's father — was initially charged with endangering the welfare of a child and tampering with evidence following his 2020 arrest. He was released from prison on Oct. 9, 2020, after posting $8,000 bail.
A sentencing date for Brandon Haas has not been scheduled.
More:Emma Cole's stepdad out on bail as Delaware charges revealed in Smyrna child remains case
Contact Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299 or eparra@delawareonline.com.