BURLESON, TX – Authorities in Burleson have launched an investigation following the discovery of a shallow grave in a backyard, where the body of a 26-year-old man was found. The investigation began with a welfare check after a tip-off suggested the man might be deceased.
The body, identified as Jonathan Kinman, was exhumed and sent to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office. Kinman, who had special needs, was the son of December and Jonathan Mitchell, who rented the property. The couple now faces charges related to tampering with physical evidence, a second-degree felony.
Police were alerted by concerns from individuals familiar with the family, which prompted them to question Kinman’s whereabouts. The Mitchells confirmed his death but provided vague information regarding the circumstances.
Initial claims suggested Kinman had been taken to a hospital and pronounced dead, but police confirmed this was inaccurate. A neighbor, Judy Harris, noted the significant police presence in early October, describing numerous police and medical examiner vehicles at the scene.
Investigators are uncertain about how long Kinman’s body had been buried. The young man reportedly suffered from a condition affecting his growth and health.
The Kinman family expressed their horror at the news, stating they are cooperating fully with authorities to seek justice. They described the situation as a “living nightmare.”
Neighbors remain puzzled by the events. “If it was natural causes, they had nothing to fear,” one neighbor remarked, questioning why the authorities were not contacted immediately.
As the investigation continues, the Mitchells have had their bonds set, though the amounts have not been disclosed.