BURLESON, TX – A welfare check meant to ensure the safety of a 26-year-old man with special needs led to a grim discovery this week after police say his parents buried his body in a shallow grave behind their home.
Officers were called Tuesday to 433 White Oak Lane to check on Jonathan Kinman, who lived at the residence with his mother, December Marie Mitchell, and stepfather, Jonathan James Mitchell.
Within hours, the parents were under arrest, accused of concealing Kinman’s body and misleading investigators about his whereabouts.
Key Points
- December and Jonathan Mitchell were charged with tampering or fabricating physical evidence involving a human corpse
- Police discovered a shallow grave in the family’s backyard on Wednesday following a welfare check
- An autopsy was conducted Thursday, but the cause of death has not yet been released
Officers make chilling discovery behind the home
According to Burleson Police, information gathered during the welfare check suggested that Kinman might already be dead and buried on the property. Investigators returned the following morning, joined by the Texas Rangers, and located a recently disturbed patch of soil behind the home. Beneath it, they found the remains of Kinman, confirming the family’s worst fears.
Parents taken into custody on felony charges
Authorities immediately arrested December and Jonathan Mitchell, charging each with tampering or fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair a human corpse. They were booked into the Johnson County Jail, where both remain held on $250,000 bond. Police have not yet filed additional charges pending the outcome of the medical examiner’s report.
Autopsy underway as motive remains unclear
Kinman’s body was transported to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office, where an autopsy was performed Thursday. Officials said results are pending, and the cause and manner of death have not been determined. Investigators have not released information on when Kinman is believed to have died or how long his body was buried before discovery.
Community shocked by tragic case
Neighbors described the family as quiet and largely private, saying they rarely saw the 26-year-old outside the home. Burleson Police said the investigation is ongoing and urged anyone with information to contact detectives. The department added that the welfare check request came from an individual concerned about Kinman’s wellbeing, which ultimately led to the discovery.
Authorities have not announced whether further charges will be filed pending the final autopsy report.