Death of special needs man in Burleson, Texas
December Mitchell and Jonathan Mitchell were arrested on October 20, 2025, in Burleson, Texas, and charged with tampering with and fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair a human corpse after their special needs son, Jonathan Kinman, was found buried in their backyard. As of October 22, 2025, December Mitchell confessed to her husband, stating, "It was all me... I just wanted him close to me," regarding the burial, and police noted Kinman's items in the home showed signs of human decomposition. The couple is being held on a $250,000 bond each, and an autopsy was conducted on October 16, 2025, but the cause of death is still pending.
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October 2025 — 8 developments
Jonathan Mitchell tells police wife buried son in backyard; police find signs of decomposition
Jonathan Mitchell told police that his wife, December Mitchell, buried their son in the backyard. Police say Kinman's items inside the home showed signs and smelled of human decomposition. Kinman had Russell Silver syndrome.
December Mitchell confesses to husband in patrol car about burying their son
December Mitchell confessed to her husband in a patrol car, stating 'It was all me... I just wanted him close to me,' regarding the burial of their son. This statement provides specific details of the previously reported incriminating statements.
December and Jonathan Mitchell Arrested for Tampering with Human Corpse
December Mitchell and Jonathan Mitchell were arrested and charged with tampering with and fabricating physical evidence with intent to impair a human corpse, a second-degree felony. They are each being held on a $250,000 bond.
Medical Examiner Conducts Autopsy on Jonathan Kinman; Cause of Death Pending
The medical examiner conducted an autopsy on Jonathan Kinman's body, but the results and cause of death are still pending.
Burleson Police, Texas Rangers Discover Jonathan Kinman's Body in Shallow Grave
Burleson police, with the assistance of the Texas Rangers, discovered a shallow grave in the backyard of the home containing Jonathan Kinman's body. His body was exhumed and transported to the Tarrant County medical examiner's office.
Jonathan Mitchell reports Kinman buried in backyard after family friend's warning
Later the same day, police received another call, this time from Jonathan Mitchell, reporting that he had learned Kinman was buried in the backyard. This call came after a family friend reportedly warned the couple that if they didn't call 911, he would.
Jonathan Kinman's mother, December Mitchell, gave inconsistent statements to police
Upon arrival, Jonathan Kinman's mother, December Mitchell, gave inconsistent statements to police, initially claiming her son died at a hospital, which investigators could not confirm.
Burleson Police Conduct Welfare Check on Jonathan Kinman After Friend Reports Concerning Facebook Post
Burleson police were called to the home of Jonathan Kinman for a welfare check after a concerned friend reported a confusing Facebook post from his parents mourning his death.