AUSTERLITZ—Sheriff David P. Bartlett reports the arrest of Heidi Tranberg-Bennett, 47, and Steven Bennett, 58, both of Austerlitz, for the death of their 12-year-old daughter.

On December 3, 2019 at approximately 5:28 p.m., EMS and deputies responded to the Tranberg- Bennett residence for a 12-year-old in cardiac arrest.

Steven Bennett and Heidi Tranberg-Bennett in County Court on November 2. They were charged in the death of their 12-year-old daughter. Photo by Lance Wheeler

This case is a collective effort including the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, New York State Police, the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office, the Columbia County Department of Social Services Child Protective Unit, the Dutchess County Child Advocacy Center, Ellis Hospital and the Chatham Rescue Squad.

Both Heidi Tranberg-Bennett and Steven Bennett appeared before Judge Richard Koweek on November 2, were arraigned on Manslaughter 2nd charges and released on their own recognizance. They did arrive to the Sheriff’s Office for processing after their court appearance and were released. The couple was ordered by the court to personally appear at Columbia County Probation on two set days a week for monitoring.

Sheriff Bartlett said, “I am grateful to all who spent countless hours working on this case, and to those who will continue to work hard until this matter is resolved. This was a true team effort by all persons and agencies involved.”