Police in Kansas have charged an adoptive couple with murder after discovering the body of their six-year-old daughter in a trash bag nearly five years after her death.
Crystina Schroer, 50, and Joseph Schroer, 53, are facing charges of first-degree murder, child abuse, and kidnapping in connection with the death of little Kennedy Schroer. Her remains were found buried in the couple’s backyard five months ago.
The case came to light on September 10 when officers responded to a call about a person threatening to harm themselves with a gun in Rose Hill, about 20 miles from Wichita. When police arrived, they found no firearm but took the individual to a hospital for evaluation. During the investigation, authorities learned about a possible homicide.
The next day, police began searching the Schroer property after receiving information that human remains might be buried there. Officers used cadaver dogs and equipment to clear the overgrown area but initially found nothing. However, during a second search of another location on the property, they discovered Kennedy’s body inside a garbage bag.
According to Rose Hill Police Chief Taylor Parlier, investigators believe the couple acted alone in the crime. “At this time, we have no evidence that anyone else will be charged,” he said.
A coroner later determined that Kennedy, born Natalie Garcia, likely died from suffocation, ruling her death a homicide. Authorities believe she passed away in late 2020, just a year after she was adopted by the Schroers in 2019.
Crystina Schroer now faces multiple additional charges, including felony theft, forgery, Medicaid fraud, and desecration of a corpse. Her husband, Joseph, is charged with obstruction of justice, liability for crimes of another, felony theft, and Medicaid fraud.
The heartbreaking case has shocked the community, as Kennedy was described as a bright and joyful child.
In a separate tragedy, two teenagers in Argentina were found brutally murdered three days after disappearing.
Paloma Gallardo, 16, and her 14-year-old boyfriend, Josue Salvatierra, were last seen on January 30 when they told family they were going to the gym. Their bodies were discovered in a deserted area, and police believe they were beaten to death with a rock at a homeless encampment.
Paloma’s father, evangelical pastor and YouTuber Omar Gallardo, identified her remains, saying, “I can’t describe what was done to my daughter’s body.”
Both cases have left families and communities grieving unimaginable losses.
