Texas Mom's Chilling Confession After Burying Son with Special Needs in Backyard

Discovery of Jonathan Kinman's Body

• 💔 A 26-year-old man with special needs, Jonathan Kinman, was found buried in his backyard in Burleson, Texas, following a welfare check.
• 🕵️ Police were alerted by a family friend who saw a Facebook post from Jonathan's mother, December Mitchell, claiming her son had died.
• 🐶 Cadaver dogs were used to locate a shallow grave near a shed behind the house, where Jonathan's body was found wrapped in a camouflage blanket.
• 🚨 Both December Mitchell and her husband, Jonathan Mitchell, were arrested and charged with tampering with physical evidence with intent to impair a human corpse.

Mother's Alleged Confession and Unanswered Questions

• 🎙️ December Mitchell was reportedly captured on police camera stating, "I did this. This was my decision. I'm sorry. I just wanted him close to me."
• 🤔 Key questions remain regarding how long Jonathan had been gone, why he was buried instead of reported, and the actual cause of his death, which is pending autopsy results.
• 🏠 Investigators found Jonathan's room cleared out, and the mattress showed signs of and smelled of human decomposition.

Investigation Details and Expert Analysis

• 📱 Social media played a crucial role, with both December Mitchell's post and a message from the stepfather raising suspicions and prompting police follow-up.
• 🏥 Mitchell's initial claim that Jonathan died at a hospital was found to be false, making her an immediate person of interest.
• ⚖️ Detective Eric Barnes noted that the current tampering charges could escalate once the cause of death is determined, emphasizing the reliance on science and the medical examiner's findings.
• 🔍 The preservation of the burial site and soil is critical for evidence, with cadaver dogs being highly reliable in locating remains.

Community and Family Reactions

• 👥 Neighbors reported being friendly with the couple but had no knowledge of Jonathan living there, highlighting the parents' efforts to maintain a low profile.
• 💔 The Kinman family described the situation as a "living nightmare" and are cooperating fully with law enforcement to uncover the truth.
• 📢 The Center for ASD expressed concern for the vulnerable population, noting the need for better community support and services for individuals with special needs and their families.
• 🤝 Detective Barnes emphasized the need for time to conduct a thorough investigation and maintain open communication with the victim's family.