Crystina and Joseph Schroer, the adoptive parents of a six-year-old girl, have been arrested and charged with first-degree murder, child abuse, and kidnapping after the remains of their daughter, Kennedy, were discovered buried in their Kansas backyard.
The couple is also facing additional charges, including felony theft and fraud.
Kennedy Schroer, born Natalie Garcia, was reported missing in September 2020.
The investigation began on September 10, 2020, when officers responded to a call regarding a resident who had barricaded themselves in a room and threatened self-harm.
While no firearm was found, authorities uncovered information related to a possible homicide.
The following day, police began searching the Schroer home in Rose Hill, a small town 20 miles southeast of Wichita.
After using cadaver dogs and clearing the overgrown backyard, investigators discovered the buried remains of Kennedy, hidden inside a trash bag.
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A coroner later confirmed that the cause of death was “probable suffocation,” and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.
Authorities believe Kennedy died sometime in late 2020, after being adopted by Crystina and Joseph Schroer in 2019.
The investigation revealed troubling evidence suggesting the couple may have been involved in not only Kennedy’s death but other illegal activities, such as forgery, Medicaid fraud, and the desecration of a corpse.
Crystina faces additional charges, including felony theft, while Joseph is accused of interfering with law enforcement and committing crimes with his wife.
Police Chief Taylor Parlier stated that there are no other suspects in the case, and they believe the Schroers are solely responsible for Kennedy’s tragic death.
