By The newspaper
31 Oct 2023, 21:03 PM EDT
In a gruesome case, an Alabama couple, Michael Shane Halstead, 44, and Karen Tysinger Halstead, 42, have been arrested and charged with abuse of a corpse after allegedly hiding the body of their 19-year-old son , Logan Michael Halstead, in a freezer.
The shocking incident occurred in Jack, Alabama, in Coffee County, according to a detailed report from People.
Henry County sheriff’s deputies were alerted to the situation Sunday when a call came in at 11:37 a.m. Officers responded quickly and made the gruesome discovery.
The decomposing body, believed to be that of Logan Michael Halstead, was found inside a freezer outside the couple’s former residence at 296 Bradford Drive.
Following their arrest, the Halsteads were questioned and later appeared in court for the first time. During their preliminary hearing, Judge James Peterson issued bail at $175,000 each. Currently in police custody at the Henry County Jail, they face one count of abuse of a corpse, a serious charge.
Sheriff Eric Blankenship expressed the seriousness of the situation, telling People: “This incident is a very tragic situation and our agency is committed to uncovering the truth.” The investigation is still in its early stages and the deceased’s body has been sent to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for an official autopsy.
The sheriff revealed that the deceased had ongoing medical problems, including spina bifida, and was receiving disability benefits; Additionally, he assured WDHN that the body had been in the freezer since late August.
As the legal process unfolds, the Halsteads’ 13-year-old twins are in the care of the Alabama Department of Human Resources, highlighting the tragic impact of this incident on their family.
Possible murder charges of parents
The result of the autopsy could lead to more severe charges, as Blankenship mentioned that the parents could face murder charges depending on the results. This horrific situation continues to unravel as authorities work diligently to uncover the truth.
More shocking details emerged during the investigation. It was revealed that Michael Halstead had attempted to hide the body of his son from his wife and other children. Before placing Logan in the backyard freezer, he meticulously wrapped the body in a plastic bag, blankets and a shower curtain, covering it with cardboard.
After disposing of Logan’s body, the family moved into a hotel room in an attempt to hide the gruesome secret.
In open court, Michael claimed that his wife had no knowledge of the alleged crime. However, authorities suspect she had prior knowledge before the arrests were made.
Keep reading:
· Five officers are shot in Minnesota; the suspect is in custody
· Texas man is executed after murdering an elderly woman in a carjacking in 2000