KANSAS CITY, Kan. (AP) — A Wyandotte County judge will determine if state records concerning the death of a 3-year-old girl who showed signs of being abused should be released to the public or be kept private.
Olivia Jansen’s body was found in a shallow grave on July 10, the same day her father, Howard Jansen III, reported her missing. He and his girlfriend, Jacqulyn Kirkpatrick, have been charged with felony murder and other crimes in her death.
Shortly after the girl died, several media outlets — including The Associated Press and The Kansas City Star — filed requests for records from the Department for Children and Family Services to determine the extent of the agency’s contact with the girl’s family before her death.
On Wednesday, attorneys for the Wyandotte County District Attorney and the two suspects in Olivia’s death argued that releasing the 533 pages of records would hinder the ongoing investigation and the defendants’ chances of receiving a fair trial.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Olivia’s body had signs of physical abuse and she died of a brain bleed.
Russell took the case under advisement and said he hoped to rule within two weeks.