BURLESON, TX – A routine welfare check in Burleson has led to a disturbing discovery, as police found the body of a 26-year-old man buried in a backyard. The investigation began when police received a tip about the possible death of Jonathan Kinman.
Officers arrived on White Oak Lane to find Kinman’s body in a shallow grave. The remains were transferred to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner for further examination. Kinman, who had special needs, was the son of the home’s occupants, December and Jonathan Mitchell.
Residents were taken aback by the heavy police presence. Neighbor Judy Harris described the scene as unusual, with numerous police cars and medical examiners on-site.
The Mitchells initially provided conflicting information about Kinman’s death, claiming he had been taken to a hospital. However, police found no evidence to support this.
Authorities charged the couple with tampering with evidence, a serious felony, due to their alleged efforts to hide the body. Investigators are working to determine how long Kinman had been dead and buried.
Kinman’s family expressed their horror at the news and pledged full cooperation with the authorities to seek justice for Jonathan.
Neighbors are struggling to comprehend the situation. Questions linger about why the police were not immediately contacted if Kinman’s death was from natural causes.
As the investigation progresses, December and Jonathan Mitchell remain in custody with bonds set. The community is left in shock and searching for answers.