A Missouri couple is now facing murder charges after investigators discovered the skeletal remains of their teenage son buried in a shallow grave at their own home.
Who Was Arrested?
Chaun Asbury, 42, and Tamala Asbury, 45, of Piney Township in Texas County — located about 90 miles east of Springfield — were taken into custody after a search warrant was executed at their home on Lundy Road.
What Did Deputies Find?
When law enforcement arrived, Chaun Asbury attempted to flee with two children and was apprehended. Tamala Asbury was detained outside the residence.
Inside, deputies found three juveniles living in deeply disturbing conditions:
- One child was locked in a shed with no utilities, bound to a bed
- All children were severely malnourished
- The home had no utilities or sewer
- Evidence of physical abuse and restraint was found throughout
Chief Deputy Rowdy Douglas stated that hospital staff warned one of the youngest children was possibly “a day or so from maybe passing away.”
The Missing Son
The couple had previously reported their son, Ceasar Asbury, as a possible runaway. During the search of the property, deputies discovered skeletal remains in a shallow grave.
The St. Louis County Medical Examiner’s Office later confirmed through dental records that the remains belonged to Ceasar Asbury, 18.
Charges Filed
The couple now faces:
- Murder in the second degree
- Abuse or neglect of a child resulting in death
- Abandonment of a corpse
- Three counts of domestic assault
- Eight counts of child abuse and neglect
Both are currently held in Texas County Jail on no bond warrants.
Sheriff Speaks Out
Texas County Sheriff Scott Lindsey called it the worst case he has seen in over 28 years of law enforcement.
“The life that was lost and the other lives of the children that were affected by this situation is a horrible tragedy,” the sheriff said.
The surviving children have been removed from the home and are receiving medical care.
— Coverage by thecmeaglet.com
