Salem couple to be arraigned today for adoptive daughter's death

Randall & Susan Abney

UPDATE:  Randall Abney pleaded "not guilty" during his arraignment.  His next scheduled court hearing is May 24, 2021.

A Dent County couple charged with their adoptive daughter’s death is scheduled to appear in court today.

Randall and Susan Abney of Salem are scheduled for arraignment at 1 p.m.  The couple was first charged with neglecting a child resulting in death.  But that charge was later amended to second-degree murder.

It was last October when the Abneys called 911 to report their 10-year-old daughter had collapsed at their home.  The girl died a short time later.

Court documents state that when deputies arrived, the girl was emaciated, covered in bruises, and so dehydrated that medical personnel were unable to draw a blood sample.