Death of special needs man in Burleson, Texas
Jonathan Kinman, a 26-year-old man with special needs, was found buried in the backyard of his parents' Burleson, Texas home after a welfare check. His mother, December Mitchell, and stepfather, Jonathan Mitchell, were arrested and charged with tampering with evidence. The cause of death is still pending, and additional charges may be filed.
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January 2026 — 1 developments
Jonathan Kinman, the victim, was 26 years old and had special needs, not five years old as previously reported.
Jonathan Kinman, the victim, was 26 years old and had special needs, not five years old as previously reported.
October 2025 — 8 developments
Jonathan Mitchell told police that his wife, December Mitchell, buried their son in the backyard.
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 confessed to her husband in a patrol car, stating 'It was all me.
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 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.
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.
The medical examiner conducted an autopsy on Jonathan Kinman's body, but the results and cause of death are still pending.
The medical examiner conducted an autopsy on Jonathan Kinman's body, but the results and cause of death are still pending.
Burleson police, with the assistance of the Texas Rangers, discovered a shallow grave in the backyard of the home containing Jonathan Kinman's body.
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.
Later the same day, police received another call, this time from Jonathan Mitchell, reporting that he had learned Kinman was buried in the backyard.
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.
Upon arrival, Jonathan Kinman's mother, December Mitchell, gave inconsistent statements to police, i…
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 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.
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.