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December 4, 2025 6 mins

Investigators say the victim, Kennedy Schroer, was born as Natalie Garcia in 2014 and adopted by the Schroers in 2019. Her remains were found in September 2024 after police dug up the backyard of the couple’s home.

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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Crime Alert hourly update, breaking crime news Now, I'm Nicole Pardon.
A Kansas man has been sentenced in connection with the
tragic death of his adopted six year old daughter, whose
remains were discovered buried in a Rose Hill backyard last year.
On Wednesday, Judge Rick sentenced Joseph Schroer to only sixty

(00:21):
days in jail and four years of probation. Schwuer pleaded
no contest to two counts of aggravated child endangerment and
one count of medicaid fraud. If he violates probation, he
could face up to fourteen months in prison. His ex wife,
Christina Schwuyer, was previously sentenced to eighteen years behind bars
after pleading no contest to second degree murder, child abuse,

(00:43):
and other charges. Investigators say the victim, Kennedy Schuyer, born
Natalie Garcia in twenty fourteen, was adopted by the Schuyers
in twenty nineteen. Her remains were found September twenty four
after police dug up the backyard of the couple's home
to discover the little girl's body. According to court documents,

(01:03):
Cynthia admitted Kennedy died in December twenty twenty after being
confined in a box, a punishment she allegedly used often.
Instead of seeking help, Christina drove around with the child's
body for hours before burying her in their backyard just
outside the couple's bedroom. Of Forensic reports concluded Kennedy died

(01:24):
from suffocation, and her death was ruled a homicide. Rose
Hill Police Chief Taylor Parlor called wednesday sentencing the final
step in the case.

Speaker 2 (01:35):
I think, now, if I could save one kid, that's
better than saving none. Just one child would be enough.
But if we could create a situation where people and
the legislators in the public and people took it seriously
and actually wanted to do these children good, I think
there are great things that we could do.

Speaker 1 (01:54):
In his plea for a lighter sentence, Joseph Schwer told
the judge that he admits he should have done more
to protect the young girl, that he could have stopped
the abuse, but rather turned his head and didn't speak up.
The judge had no pity and offered him the mandatory
sentence allowed for all charges that he faced. Kennedy's story

(02:14):
as a heartbreaking reminder of the need for vigilance in
protecting vulnerable children. Or Primate Justice News after this. A
thirty four year old man from California has been sentenced
to a minimum of thirty years in prison following a
violent incident in which he fatally stabbed his stepmother and

(02:35):
seriously injured his father. Justin Buchanan received a sentence on Tuesday,
which could extend to life in prison, as announced by
the Saint Luis District Attorney's office. The violent altercation also
involved an attack on a neighbor who attempted to help.
Buchanan had previously pleaded guilty to charges of murder, attempted murder,
and assault in October. The tragic events unfolded on July

(02:59):
sixteenth in Shandon, a small town about thirty miles north
of Bakersfield. According to reports from the Saint Luis Tribune,
a dispute erupted between Buchanan and the victims inside the home.
Surveillance footage captured the shocking moment when he pursued his stepmother, Kelly,
around the house. He eventually tackled her and stabbed her

(03:20):
multiple times as she cried out for help. During the chaos,
a neighbor witnessed the attack and attempted to step in
but Buchanan turned on him as well. The neighbor managed
to fend off the assailant with various makeshift weapons. In
the course of the attack, Buchanan also stabbed his father,
who fortunately survived the ordeal. The father later testified about

(03:42):
the horrific experience, describing his son's demeanor as otherworldly, saying,
in part, his eyes went completely black, no whites in
his eye, as though something overtook him and he became
the purest of evil. I've never seen him like that before,
his father said. Reports indicate that Justin Buchanan had a
history of mental health challenges and had previously been declared

(04:05):
incompetent to stand trial. In a poignant victim impact statement,
Nancy Duckworth, the mother of Kelly Buchanan, expressed her deep sorrow,
stating that no length of imprisonment could alleviate the anguish
and pain she feels after losing her daughter. Nothing will
ever be good again, she said. Judge Jesse Marino addressed
Buchanan directly, noting the need for him to focus on

(04:27):
addressing his mental health issues while incarcerated. You said you
turned into a monster, and I can't say I disagree.
The judge remarked Buchanan offered an apology for his actions
and sought forgiveness from his family. Following the sentencing, District
Attorney Dan Dowe issued a statement emphasizing the far reaching
impact of family violence. This sentence may not bring missus

(04:49):
Buchanan back, but it serves to punish the perpetrator and
sends a strong message that we will hold offenders accountable,
even if it is family. Police and Loveland call DODO
or asking for the public's help and locating a missing
twenty year old girl, Kayleie Russell. She was last seen
on Sunday and is considered endangered and missing. Kaylee's mother, Rebecca,

(05:11):
said Kaylee spoke to her family last around six ten
PM on Sunday, Not long after Kaylee had been dealing
with a flat tire. Her mother said she got a flat,
the frames messed up and the alignment, so her dad
was close and went to help. He put the doughnut
on the car. This was near the area of Loveland
Johnston Park and Ride in the area of Highway four

(05:33):
zero two. Around nine pm, Rebecca began calling her daughter
to check on her. Everything went straight to voicemail, said
her mother. Kaylee was supposed to visit a friend in
Pierce that night, so Kaylee's mother called the friend. The
friend said she never made it. Kelly was then supposed
to head to LaSalle to visit cousins. The cousins also

(05:53):
said she never made it. Her mother says her phone
goes straight to voicemail. There has been no use on
her day card, no money taken out, no charges. Rebecca
said the silence is terrifying. With worsening weather and snow
in the forecast, police are concerned with the girl's whereabouts.
Police are asking anyone with relevant information to please come forward.

(06:15):
Kaylee is described as a white woman with brown hair
and blue eyes. Five six, one hundred and twenty five pounds.
She was last seen around six pm Sunday. She was
wearing a black hoodie, ten pants, and brown slippers. She
was driving a Volkswagen SUV. Police say anyone with information
should please call nine seven zero three five zero nine

(06:36):
six zero zero For the latest crime injustice news. Follow
Crime Alert hourly update on your favorite podcasting app with
his Crime Alert, I'm Nicole Partner
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Host

Nancy Grace

Nancy Grace

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