x
Breaking News
More () »

Bodies of Kansas couple found in shallow grave in Arkansas, three people arrested

Investigators said four people are detained after telling authorities of a possible homicide.

CRAWFORD COUNTY (KFSM) -- The Crawford County Sheriff's Department is investigating a double homicide near Natural Dam.

Investigators said four people told authorities that an elderly couple may be buried off of Starr Road in Crawford County.

Van Buren Police have arrested three of the four people detained on charges of abuse of a corpse, theft of property, and tampering with physical evidence.

Police have identified the three as Kimberly Younger, 52, from Texas, Rusty Fraiser, 35, also from Texas, and Michael Fowler, 54, from Florida.

Kimberly Younger, 52, from Texas; Rusty Fraiser, 35, from Texas; Michael Fowler, 54, from Florida

Van Buren police confirmed the identities of the victims as Sonny and Pauline Carpenter of Wichita, Kansas.

"There is a creek and it appears by the information given by the four people detained and what we see that there appears to be a large grave site in the middle of the creek bed,” Sheriff Ron Brown said.

A mattress was laying on top of the grave site, "Those responsible for this murder and burying bodies went to great lengths to bury the couple," said Brown.

The two bodies have been removed and sent to the state Crime Lab in Little Rock, according to Sheriff Ron Brown.

The woman was murdered inside of a camper and the man outside, the crime occurred on Saturday and the bodies were buried on Monday, investigators believe.

The wounds found on the bodies is consistent with what the four persons of interest told investigators, said Sheriff Ron Brown.

Van Buren police have the couple's camper in their evidence impound.

Before You Leave, Check This Out