Police find Remains of child four Years after her Death in Backyard of her Adoptive Family

In a heartbreaking discovery, Kansas City police found the decomposed remains of six-year-old Kennedy Jean Schroer in the backyard of her adoptive family’s home, nearly four years after her death. The gruesome revelation has left a community and investigators reeling, as authorities continue to seek answers in this tragic case.

The discovery was made earlier this month when officers from the Rose Hill Police Department were responding to an unrelated call at the family’s residence. What started as a routine visit quickly escalated when information about a past homicide came to light. Police Chief Taylor Parlier stated, “Information was developed of a past homicide,” which led officers to the backyard where they found Kennedy’s remains.

Kennedy allegedly died in November 2020, though the exact cause of death remains unknown. The Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center was unable to determine the cause, and police noted there were no visible signs of injury. The investigation is ongoing, and while no arrests have been made, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward.

In a press release, the police acknowledged public frustration over the lack of arrests but emphasized the need for thoroughness. “We understand that many in the public might be confused how an arrest in this case has not been made, that is completely understandable,” the release stated. “What we would like to convey is that we have one chance to gather as much information as possible, to find out what happened to this child and to tell her story.”

The department reiterated their commitment to the case, ensuring the public that Kennedy remains their top priority. “What we can assure anyone interested in this case, 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 being pulled out by her adoptive parents. In a statement, the school expressed their grief, with Superintendent Chuck Lambert saying, “This is a devastating tragedy for our entire community… Our thoughts and prayers are with her 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 certain the remains belonged to her daughter, whom she had named Natalie Garcia. “Now that DNA has come 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 kids,” she said. Determined to seek justice, Helm has started 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. “Nobody involved in this case is numb to these events,” he said. “This is not normal for Rose Hill… it’s affecting people in those ways.”

As the investigation unfolds, Kennedy’s memory continues to be at the forefront, with her family and community hoping for justice and answers.