A Missouri couple has been charged with multiple counts including second-degree murder after authorities discovered the skeletal remains of their 18-year-old son buried in a shallow grave at their home. Chaun Asbury, 42, and Tamala Asbury, 45, were arrested in March during a search of their property in Piney Township. The investigation also uncovered severe neglect of three other children living in the residence.
The Texas County Sheriff's Office began investigating the Asburys in 2025. Deputies served a search warrant at the family's home on Lundy Road in March, where they found unsanitary conditions with no utilities or sewer service. Chaun Asbury attempted to flee as officers approached but was quickly apprehended, while Tamala Asbury was detained at the scene. Inside the house, authorities discovered three juveniles, including one child who was locked in a shed, bound to a bed and severely malnourished. Chief Deputy Rowdy Douglas noted that the youngest child was reportedly a day or so from death due to the conditions. Skeletal remains were also located on the property. The remains were later identified as those of Ceasar Asbury through dental comparison by the St. Louis County Medical Examiner's Office. The couple had previously reported him missing as a possible runaway. Texas County Sheriff Scott Lindsey described the case as the worst instance of child abuse and neglect he has seen in more than 28 years of law enforcement. The Asburys now face additional charges and remain held in the Texas County Jail without bond.