The two people charged with murder in connection with the death of a 17-month-old Wayne County boy made their first court appearance a week ago Monday afternoon, August 1.

The child’s mother, Kayla Lord, 20, and Jared Futrell, 18, appeared in Wayne District Court for arraignment proceedings.

Both entered a plea of not guilty and a preliminary hearing in the case was scheduled for this past Monday afternoon, August 8. Public defenders were appointed to represent Lord and Futrell, and they waived formal arraignment.

Lord and Futrell were arrested on Wednesday, July 27 by local police, following a several week investigation that began when 17-month-old Staten Stephenson was taken to the emergency room at Wayne County Hospital for treatment of injuries.

The baby was flown to the University of Kentucky Medical Center on Saturday, July 16. Few details regarding Stephenson’s injuries have been released by officials. He remained at the UK Hospital until his death on Tuesday, July 26.

According to the criminal complaint filed in Wayne Circuit Court, the baby arrived at the Wayne County Hospital with “evidence of blunt force trauma and was unresponsive.”

The list of injuries to the baby included a distended stomach and multiple contusions to the head, chest and extremities.

Monticello Police Detective Derek Lester is heading up the investigation.

Lord and Futrell remained lodged in Wayne County Detention Center. Bond has been set at $100,000 cash each.

Outside the courthouse on Monday afternoon, a group of about 40 people gathered, many wearing blue and several carrying placards for the event that was dubbed “Standing for Staten.”

Among the crowd was Ruth Clark, a mother and grandmother who said she learned about the event on Facebook.

Clark, along with her grandchildren, Katie, Maddie and Wyatt, were there to show their support.

“We just want to show that we support Staten,” said Clark. “I have a grandson who is about a month older…to watch him talk and grin, you just can’t imagine.”

The blue shirts signified the group’s support for child abuse prevention. Another event was planned for last weekend, which was “Justice for Staten.” Balloons were to be released at 8 p.m. at Memorial Park in honor of Staten and other victims of child abuse, according to organizers of the event.