New trial date set for two Brookings residents charged in toddler’s death

There is a new trial date for the two Brookings residents facing charges in the July starvation death of a three-year-old girl.

The two, 25-year-old Renae Fayant and 27-year-old Robert Price, Jr., were both indicted on alternate counts of second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter as well as abuse or cruelty to a minor under age 7.

Trial had originally be scheduled to begin Wednesday. It is now set for January 15th.

According to authorities, the three-year-old niece of Fayant, under her care for about two years, had been living in terrible conditions. She died of malnourishment and dehydration.

Brookings County States Attorney Dan Nelson says Fayant’s lawyer requested a psychological exam for Fayant. That was granted. Price requested a new lawyer and that request was granted.

Both Price and Fayant remain jailed.