In a heartbreaking discovery, Kansas City police found the decomposed remains of six-year-old Kennedy Jean Schroer in the backyard of his adoptive family’s housealmost four years after his death. The shocking revelation has left the community and investigators stunned, as authorities continue to search for answers to this tragic case.
The discovery was made earlier this month when officers with the Rose Hill Police Department responded to an unrelated call at the family’s residence. What began as a routine visit quickly escalated when information about a past homicide came to light. Police Chief Taylor Parlier stated, “Information developed of a past homicide,” leading officers to the backyard where they found Kennedy’s remains.
Kennedy supposedly died in November 2020although the exact cause of death is unknown. The Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center was unable to determine the cause and police noted there were no visible signs of injuries. The investigation is ongoing and while no arrests have been made, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.
In a press releasePolice acknowledged public frustration over the lack of arrests but stressed the need to be thorough. “We understand that many in the public may be confused by the fact that no arrest has been made in this case, that is completely understandable,” the statement states. “What we would like to convey is that we have an opportunity to gather as much information as possible, find out what happened to this girl and tell her story.”
The department reiterated its commitment to the case and assured the public that Kennedy remains its top priority. “What we can assure anyone interested in this case is that Kennedy is the center of our Universe and will remain so until we have answers.”
Kennedy had once attended kindergarten in the Rose Hill School District before her adoptive parents removed her. In a statement, the school expressed its grief, with Superintendent Chuck Lambert saying, “This is a devastating tragedy for our entire community… Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.”
The tragic story took an even more personal turn when Kennedy’s biological mother, Christa Helm, spoke out. Helm, who had lost custody of her daughters in 2018, said she was sure the remains belonged to her daughter, whom she named Natalie Garcia. “Now that the DNA is back, I know it’s Natalie, I know it’s Natalie, we all know it’s Natalie,” Helm said, reflecting on the chilling experience of visiting the home where her daughter’s remains were found.
Helm holds the state of Kansas responsible for her daughter’s death, blaming the system that separated her from her children. “The state of Kansas has failed my children,” he said. Determined to seek justice, Helm has begun raising funds to hire a legal team to fight for custody of her other children.
Rose Hill Police Chief Taylor Parlier expressed the emotional toll the case has taken on the department. “No one involved in this case is insensitive to these facts,” he said. “This is not normal for Rose Hill… it’s affecting people like that.”
As the investigation continues, Kennedy’s memory remains at the forefront, and his family and community await justice and answers.