A Rose Hill, Kansas, woman is convicted on multiple charges in connection with the death of her adopted 6-year-old daughter.

 

Crystina Schroer entered a no-contest plea in a Butler County courtroom on Friday and was found guilty of second-degree murder, child abuse, making a false writing, and theft. The charges came after the remains of 6-year-old Kennedy Jean Schroer were discovered buried in the backyard of their Rose Hill home in September 2024.

 

The child was adopted by Crystina Schroer and her husband Joe in 2019, and police believe the child was killed in December 2020. Crystina told police that she had discovered the girl in a box with blankets and other objects piled on top. Investigators learned that the box was used as punishment for the child and that her mother would pile objects on top to keep the girl from moving inside.

 

When she realized the child was dead, prosecutors say Crystina Schroer wrapped the body in two trash bags and buried her in the backyard. Schoer will be sentenced on November 10.

 

Joe Schroer is also charged in the case. He faces two counts of aggravated child endangerment, Medicaid fraud and interference with law enforcement. He is scheduled for a jury trial on October 14.