
Police in Rose Hill, Kanas, arrived at the Schroer family’s home on September 10, 2024, after a call about a resident threatening self-harm. While investigating, they found the person did not have a firearm, and they made a shocking discovery related to a child. Crystina Schroer, 50, and Joseph Schroer, 53, adopted their daughter Kennedy, born Natalie Garcia, in 2019, but no one had seen the child in years. Police found the child’s remains on the family’s property but didn’t file charges – until now.
On February 3, 2025, Rose Hill police announced the arrest of Crystina and Joseph Schroer in connection with Kennedy’s death. In a Facebook statement, police explained why it took so long for an arrest to take place.
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“On November 20, 2024, personnel with the Sedgwick County Forensic Science Center completed their postmortem report. Their report found Kennedy/Natalie’s cause of death was probable suffocation, and her manner of death was homicide,” the news release explained. “Sometimes investigations are complex and require patience, particularly in light of the severity of the suspected crimes. We shared in that sense of urgency.”
Police added that they understood the community’s concern and did not believe anyone was in danger as they investigated. “We assessed that there was not an ongoing risk to public safety during the investigation and that making arrests only after the investigation concluded was the necessary course of action to ensure the best possible outcome,” the statement continued.
KAKE reported that Rose Hill Chief of Police Taylor Parlier said the couple were the only suspects in the case.
“We believe that these are the only two that are responsible,” Parlier said. “At this time, we have no evidence that there should be anybody else that’s going to be charged. There is some additional information that we’re still looking into.”
Parlier added that he understands why people became frustrated with how long it took for police to make an arrest in the case.
“It’s been difficult. It’s been difficult for the officers that have been involved and anybody else who’s been tangentially involved in this case. I can’t say I’m excited or happy about anything. I hope that when the time comes, we’ll be able to tell Natalie’s story as best we can,” he said, per KAKE.
Crystina Schroer, faces a first-degree murder charge in addition to charges of kidnapping, torture, theft, forgery, Medicaid, fraud, and desecration of a corpse, the department’s news release noted. Prosecutors charged her husband with child abuse, liability for crimes against another, interfering with law enforcement, felony theft, and Medicaid fraud.
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The news of an arrest has caused quite a conversation. Many people shared their thoughts on the police department’s Facebook page.
“This has to be the most heartbreaking moment in my life. Knowing these people and being so unsuspecting that they could do something like this,” one person wrote. “That poor baby! RHPD, thank you for your diligence and long hours in finding the truth. My prayers go up to Natalie so that she may now rest in peace.”
Another person praised the police, writing, “Thank you for your hard, long hours of work!! Thank you so much for taking the time you did and getting everything done the right way.”
Kennedy’s biological mother, Christa Helm, told KSN the news of the arrest came as a relief. “All the evil that they’ve done is about to come to light. I’ve been praying for the truth to be revealed, and it’s coming out,” Helm said.