Hearing Set for Butler County Man Charged with Child Murder

Scott Shindledecker

Scott Shindledecker

Published April 25, 2017 4:26 am
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BUTLER CO., Pa. (EYT) — A Butler County man charged in the brutal murder of a four-year-old boy is scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Thursday.

Keith Jordan Lambing, 20, of Butler, was charged with criminal homicide and aggravated assault in the death of Bentley Miller. Bentley died on March 21.

Lambing could face the death penalty, according to previous statements by Butler County District Attorney Richard Goldinger.

According to Goldinger, his office would review the case and make a decision after the preliminary hearing.

Lambing’s preliminary hearing will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday in front of Magisterial District Judge Kevin P. O’Donnell.

He was charged with the following offenses:

– Criminal Homicide

– Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse – Serious Bodily Injury, Felony 1

– Rape of Child, Felony 1

– Rape of Child – Serious Bodily Injury, Felony 1

– Aggravated Indecent Assault of Child, Felony 1

– Aggravated Assault, Felony 1

– Endangering Welfare of Children – Parent/Guardian/Other Commits Offense, Felony 3

– Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Misdemeanor 2

Bail was denied, as Criminal Homicide is a non-bailable offense.

He was lodged in the Butler County Jail.

Goldinger said the child died as the result of a sexual assault.

Lambing is also facing an escape charge, a third-degree felony, after prison officials uncovered his plan while monitoring his phone calls.

According to a published article on post-gazette.com, a note was found in Lambing’s cell stating how someone could help him cut his restraints while he was being transported to a court hearing. Lambing planned to give the note to his grandmother.

The court cases against other people involved in the case are also moving forward.

According to a previous article on exploreclarion.com, Lambing’s mother, 43-year-old Kristen Herold, of Wexford, is charged with the following offenses:

– Hindering Apprehension/Prosecution-Providing Aid, Felony 3

– Hindering Apprehension/Prosecution-Providing False Information Law Enforcement Officer, Felony 3

– Endangering Welfare of Children-Parent/Guardian/Other Commits Offense, Misdemeanor 1

– Recklessly Endangering Another Person, Misdemeanor 2

Herold remains in the Butler County Jail on $200,000.00 cash bail.

Her arraignment is scheduled for May 9.

Herold was taking Miller to his father’s house on the morning of March 21 after Lambing called her and said the child needed medical attention.

When Bentley lost consciousness, she called 911 and pulled into a parking lot where paramedics and police responded. Paramedics performed CPR on Bentley before taking him to Butler Memorial Hospital where he later died.

When a warrant was issued for Lambing, he was found hiding with Herold.

According to Goldinger, Lambing and Bentley’s mother, Mackenzie Peters, were staying at a Super 8 Motel with Bentley and their four-month-old infant.

Goldinger said that Peters was at work, and Lambing was watching Bentley.

Peters was charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of children, a third-degree felony.

The preliminary hearing for Peters is scheduled for May 11 in front of District Judge Kevin P. O’Donnell.

The four-month-old infant is in the custody of Butler County Children, Youth, and Family Services.

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