2 indicted in death of 4-year-old girl in 1999

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2 indicted in death of 4-year-old girl in 1999

GREENVILLE, Ky. (AP) - A western Kentucky woman whose 4-year-old daughter died in a fire 13 years ago and a family acquaintance have been charged with murder in the girl's death.

Kentucky State Police say an Ohio County grand jury indicted Virginia Whitfield of Greenville and Tony Lear on Tuesday after new evidence was discovered.

Whitfield and Lear were both charged with murder in the death of Autumn Michelle Raymond. They were also each charged with first-degree arson and two counts of first-degree assault.

Police say the child died on Oct. 4, 1999, from injuries she suffered in a fire a month earlier at her home in Beaver Dam. Police said two other children escaped the blaze but suffered smoke inhalation.

The investigation is continuing, and police say additional arrests are likely.

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