Second Arrest Made in Kirbyville Child Endangerment Case

Keith Barnett, 61, of Kirbyville, was arrested July 18 on a felony charge of Child Endangerment. Photo courtesy of JCSO.

A second individual has been arrested in connection to the July 17 child endangerment case that led to the felony arrest of 26-year-old Miriha Barrett in Kirbyville.

According to Jasper County Sheriff Chuck Havard, further investigation revealed that 61-year-old Keith Barnett of Kirbyville fled the scene prior to deputies arriving on FM 252. Authorities determined that Barnett had knowingly left a 2-year-old child in the care of Barrett, who was under the influence of illegal narcotics and unable to safely care for the child.

By abandoning the child with an impaired individual, investigators believe Barnett placed the child in imminent danger. As a result, Sgt. Chris Wade obtained a warrant for Barnett’s arrest on a charge of Child Endangerment – a State Jail Felony.

Barnett was taken into custody on July 18 at his residence in the 14000 block of FM 252 by Sgt. Wade and Deputy Jacob Spivey.

Barrett, the original suspect, was previously charged with Endangering a Child and Tampering with Physical Evidence after deputies responded to reports that she had allegedly struck the child in the face and was seen running down the road wearing only shorts. She reportedly attempted to destroy methamphetamine pipes during her arrest.

Both individuals remain innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

Sheriff Havard reaffirmed his department’s commitment to protecting children and holding those accountable who place them at risk, stating that his office will continue to pursue all leads in cases involving child welfare.