Stoddard County murder suspect gives up parental rights

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. -- A Bernie, Mo., man facing a possible death sentence if he is convicted of murder voluntarily gave up his parental rights to his young daughters Tuesday.

Chief juvenile officer Michael Davis presented Juvenile Judge Joe Satterfield with pleadings that had been filed with the clerk. Those pleadings included a notarized form signed by Allen Dale McCoy, 37, consenting to terminate his parental rights and consenting to the adoption of his daughters, now ages 8 and 6. Also included was a petition for termination of parental rights signed by Davis.

The girls have been in the custody of the Missouri Children's Division since June 30 when they were placed in foster care following the arrest of their father and stepmother, Angela McCoy.

The McCoys had been charged the day before with first-degree murder, first-degree robbery and two unclassified felonies of armed criminal action in connection with Aubrey Lee Finch's death. The state is seeking the death penalty in the case.

Finch, 67, was found dead inside his Bernie home June 28 after authorities received information from witnesses indicating Allen McCoy, aka "Smurf," had told them he had stabbed the man several times, as well as robbed him.

After the McCoys' arrests on June 29, the Missouri Children's Division received a report concerning the girls and determined they were in "imminent risk of danger."

At the time the girls were removed and placed in protective custody, they reportedly were staying with their half sibling, Lagina Bayless.

In August, Satterfield retained jurisdiction over the girls, as well as placed them with Bayless. The whereabouts of the girls' mother, Becky Cox, is unknown. Her last known address reportedly was in St. Louis.

Section 211.444 of the Missouri Revised Statutes, Davis said, allows the court to authorize the termination of parental rights "based on consent."

Davis said it was recommended the girls continue in the care and custody of the Children's Division and in their current "kinship placement" with their eldest sister.

Satterfield questioned Allen McCoy about the consent form, which he earlier had signed.

On the consent form, one of the items Allen McCoy checked said: "Because I believe it is in the best interest of the [children] and [their] future welfare, I voluntarily and of my own free will forever consent to the termination of my parental rights and obligations."

Allen McCoy answered "yes" when Satterfield asked if he had looked over and read the agreement terminating his rights to both children.

"The court accepts the consent … so ordered," Satterfield said.

The children's guardian ad litem, Dexter attorney Robin Northern, confirmed she was in agreement with the decision.

At the conclusion of the juvenile court hearing, as Allen McCoy was exiting the courtroom, he turned and said: "Tell the girls I love them, and I love you, too."

Davis said the Children's Division will retain custody of the girls until such time as their mother's rights are terminated, and the "custodian of the children makes arrangements and gets the adoption to go through."

Any adoption of the girls, Davis said, will be handled by a different court at a later date.

Pertinent address:

Bloomfield, MO

Bernie, MO