A child’s disappearance complaint led police to a backyard grave and a father now jailed without bail.
ABERDEEN, WA – A 36-year-old man has been arrested after authorities discovered the body of his 4-year-old son buried in a backyard, a case that unfolded after an unrelated missing child complaint raised alarms earlier this week. Investigators say Jacob Scott Bevins is suspected in the death of his son, Aiden Bevins, whose remains were found May 15 at a property in Aberdeen.
Police first became aware something was wrong when they received a complaint on May 12 about the whereabouts of Bevins’ 6-year-old daughter. The girl was later confirmed to be with her mother, but relatives told officers they had not seen Aiden in a long time, prompting further concern and follow-up visits to the family property.
Search for missing child led to discovery
According to reporting from local NBC affiliate KING, family members had requested a welfare check at the home of Aiden’s grandmother, where the boy was believed to be living with his father. During an initial visit, Bevins told officers that Aiden was staying with relatives out of state.
Police contacted those relatives, who said the child was not with them and that they had not seen him. Officers returned to the Aberdeen property on May 15 with assistance from the Washington State Patrol Crime Scene Response Team. During additional interviews with Bevins, investigators were led to the backyard, where Aiden’s body was discovered buried.
Authorities have not released a cause or manner of death.
Charges and custody status
Bevins was arrested Friday on suspicion of second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, unlawful disposal of human remains, and making a false or misleading statement to a public servant. He is being held without bail at the Grays Harbor County Jail and has not yet been formally charged.
The case has also drawn attention to prior concerns about Aiden’s safety. KING reported the boy had previously been in foster care with Gary and Magali Lopez for several years. Magali Lopez told the station she had contacted Child Protective Services and the Department of Children, Youth, and Families multiple times regarding concerns about Aiden’s biological parents.
“I can’t explain to you the anger that I feel. Everyone failed him,” said Magali Lopez.