As often happens in the media, dad's custodial status is not made clear. At minimum, however, he had some sort of visitation--if not out-and-out full custody.
What happened to the mother of this girl is also not explained. Dead? If so, from natural causes? "Missing"? Outgunned in a corrupt family court? We're not told. So we don't know how this father gained and secured access to the murder victim.
Dad is identified as RANDALL L. VAUGHN.
http://www.wrcbtv.com/story/24652749/father-stepmother-charged-in-childs-death
Father, stepmother charged in child's death
Posted: Feb 06, 2014 10:51 AM EST Updated: Feb 06, 2014 10:51 AM EST
SURGOINSVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - An East Tennessee couple has been charged in the 2012 death of a 5-year-old girl.
The Kingsport Times-News (http://bit.ly/1g5RKVv) cited a statement from Hawkins County Sheriff Ronnie Lawson in reporting that the girl's father, Randall L. Vaughn and her stepmother, Mary L. Vaughn, were charged with murder, aggravated child abuse and aggravated child neglect.
The statement says a two-year investigation has found that Alexa Linboom died of acute fluid/water intoxication. Lawson said no further information was being released.
It wasn't immediately clear whether the Vaughns have an attorney.
They are being held at the Hawkins County jail, and each has a $500,000 bond.
They are scheduled to be in court on Friday.
Information from: Kingsport Times-News, http://www.timesnews.net