A heartbreaking case has emerged out of Burleson, Texas, where a couple has been arrested after the body of their adult special needs son was found buried in their backyard.
Authorities made the grim discovery during a welfare check at a home on White Oak Lane. The remains have been identified as 26-year-old Jonathan Kinman. According to the Burleson Police Department, the investigation began after concerns were raised about Jonathan’s wellbeing.
His mother, December Mitchell, and his stepfather, Jonathan Mitchell, now face serious charges. Both have been charged with tampering with physical evidence involving a human corpse — a second-degree felony in Texas. Additional charges may be pending as officials await the autopsy results and continue their investigation.
At this time, both are being held on a $250,000 bond.
This tragic case raises deep questions about care, accountability, and how vulnerable individuals can sometimes fall through the cracks. As more details unfold, many will be watching closely — hoping for justice for Jonathan.
On October 14, police went to check on Kinman’s well-being at his home, where he lived with his mom and stepdad.
Deputy Police Chief Doug Sandifer said the investigation started after a family friend saw a confusing Facebook post from the couple about Kinman’s death, according to Fox 4.
The police became suspicious because the couple said Kinman had died but didn’t give clear details about how, Sandifer said.
“At first, they said he was taken to Huguley Hospital and was pronounced dead there. We checked, and that wasn’t true,” Sandifer said. “The different stories made us think something wasn’t right.”
On October 15, police came back with the Texas Rangers and found a shallow grave in the backyard.
They dug up Kinman’s body and took it to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy. The results are not ready yet, and they don’t know the cause or exact time of death.
Police said there was never any danger to the public during the investigation.
Video Credit: https://news4sanantonio.com/