A Texas couple faces felony charges after police discovered their special needs son buried in a shallow backyard grave, exposing a horrifying betrayal of the most vulnerable among us and raising urgent questions about protecting disabled adults from those entrusted with their care.
Story Highlights
- December and Jonathan Mitchell charged with tampering with evidence after 26-year-old special needs son found buried in backyard
- Couple initially lied to police, claiming son died at hospital with no records to support their story
- Welfare check triggered by suspicious Facebook post led to discovery by Burleson police and Texas Rangers
- Case exposes dangerous gaps in oversight systems designed to protect vulnerable disabled adults
Parents’ Web of Deception Unravels
December Mitchell and Jonathan Mitchell’s attempts to cover up their son’s death quickly fell apart when Burleson police conducted a welfare check on October 14, 2025. The couple provided conflicting stories about Jonathan Kinman’s death, with December claiming he died at a hospital despite no medical records supporting this claim. Their suspicious behavior and contradictory statements immediately raised red flags for investigators, who recognized the classic signs of deception that often accompany more serious crimes.
The investigation intensified when Jonathan Mitchell, apparently fearing exposure from a concerned neighbor, called police that same evening to report his stepson was buried in their backyard. This admission came only after authorities had already begun questioning the couple’s fabricated hospital story. Texas Rangers joined Burleson police the following day, discovering 26-year-old Kinman’s body in a shallow grave behind the family home.
Social Media Post Triggers Investigation
A concerned family friend’s observation of suspicious Facebook activity ultimately saved this case from remaining hidden indefinitely. The friend noticed confusing posts about Kinman’s death and contacted authorities, demonstrating how community vigilance can protect vulnerable individuals when official systems fail. This tragic case highlights how social media, despite its many flaws, can serve as a crucial early warning system for those monitoring the welfare of at-risk individuals in their communities.
Neighbors reported rarely seeing Kinman, suggesting the young man had been isolated from community interaction for an extended period. This isolation represents a fundamental breakdown in the social safety net that should protect disabled adults, particularly those dependent on family caregivers. The couple’s control over information and access to their son enabled them to operate without oversight, a dangerous situation that advocacy groups have long warned against.
Systemic Failures Endanger Vulnerable Americans
This case exposes critical weaknesses in America’s approach to protecting disabled adults living at home. Unlike children, who have mandatory school attendance and regular medical checkups providing natural oversight opportunities, adults with special needs often disappear from public view entirely. Current systems rely heavily on self-reporting by caregivers and occasional welfare checks triggered by outside concerns, creating dangerous gaps where abuse can flourish undetected for months or years.
The Mitchells currently face second-degree felony charges for tampering with and fabricating physical evidence to impair a human corpse, with bond set at $250,000 each. Additional charges may follow pending autopsy results from the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office. While police state there is no ongoing community threat, this case demands serious examination of how we protect America’s most vulnerable citizens from those who should care for them most.
Sources:
Texas couple arrested after body of special needs son, 26, discovered buried in backyard – Fox News
Couple in custody after adult son with special needs found in shallow grave – Up North Live
Affidavit: Burleson special needs son death records, social media – CBS News Texas
