In a heartbreaking and shocking turn of events, a 6-year-old girl was discovered buried in a backyard in Kansas. Even more disturbing is the revelation that the adoptive parents were aware of her presence there for years. Joseph Schroer, the father, has been sentenced to 60 days in jail along with four years of probation. This sentencing comes after a Butler County judge handed down the verdict on Wednesday, Dec. 3. The judge also stated that Schroer would face a 14-month prison term if his probation terms are violated.
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The tragic story unraveled as authorities uncovered the remains of 6-year-old Natalie Garcia, who had been adopted by the Schroer couple in 2019 and renamed Kennedy Schroer. The discovery was made in September 2024, nearly four years after the little girl had gone missing in 2020. Initial reports suggested that Kennedy’s adoptive mother, Crystina Schroer, was responsible for her death. However, shocking details emerged during the investigation, implicating Joseph Schroer in the heinous crime as well.
Joseph Schroer pleaded no contest to two counts of aggravated endangering a child and one count of Medicaid fraud. Prosecutors alleged that he not only knew about Kennedy’s murder but also continued to collect Medicaid payments even after her death. Moreover, it was revealed that he had been complicit in the abuse of other children in the household. His wife, Crystina Schroer, had previously pleaded no contest to several charges, including second-degree murder, child abuse, and theft, and is currently serving a 17-year prison sentence.
According to reports, Kennedy’s death was ruled a homicide, with signs indicating suffocation as the cause of her demise. Authorities detailed the harrowing circumstances surrounding her death, with her sister recounting how Crystina confined Kennedy in a small box one fateful night in 2020. As the girl struggled and moved within the box, blankets and a crib were stacked on top of her. The sister further revealed that Crystina would discipline the children by placing them in the box if they were restless at night.
Butler County Attorney Darrin Devinney expressed shock at the callousness of Crystina’s actions, describing how she callously double-bagged Kennedy’s body, buried her in the backyard, and continued to live alongside the corpse with Joseph for four years. The extent of the cruelty inflicted on Kennedy and the other children, including starvation and torture, was brought to light during the investigation. Crystina’s appalling treatment of the children led prosecutors to believe that she viewed them merely as a means to financial gain.
While Joseph Schroer maintained his ignorance of Kennedy’s murder, prosecutors contended that he actively participated in the ongoing abuse alongside his wife, all the while accepting Medicaid payments fraudulently. The disturbing nature of this case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and reporting suspected child abuse. If you suspect any form of child abuse, do not hesitate to contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child for immediate assistance.
As details of this tragic incident continue to emerge, it underscores the need for swift intervention and protection of vulnerable individuals, especially children. The sentencing of Joseph Schroer offers a semblance of justice for Kennedy and shines a light on the horrors that unfolded within the confines of the Schroer household. This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding the well-being of children and reporting any signs of abuse or neglect promptly.