Jackson, Mississippi – A husband and wife are in custody after police searching for an 81-year-old woman reported missing from a nursing home discovered a body buried beneath concrete in the backyard of the couple’s home, authorities confirmed.
Missing Person Report Sparks Investigation
The case began on Saturday when a concerned family member contacted the Jackson Police Department to report Carol Ryan, 81, missing. According to police, the caller said Ryan was believed to be staying at a nursing home in Brandon, Mississippi, but family members had not heard from her for several months, raising serious concerns about her whereabouts.
Investigators quickly classified the situation as a missing person case and began tracing Ryan’s recent history and known residences.
Search Leads Police to Son’s Home
Jackson Police Chief Tyree Jones told reporters on Tuesday night that detectives were led to Ryan’s former residence, a home now occupied by her 50-year-old son, John Ryan, and his 48-year-old wife, Samantha Ryan.
Police said all three individuals had lived at the home together at one point, making the location a key focus of the investigation.
After securing a search warrant, officers returned to the property to conduct a more detailed examination.
Cadaver Dogs Alert Investigators
During the backyard search, cadaver dogs alerted officers to a possible burial site, indicating the presence of human remains, Chief Jones said.
Authorities then brought in heavy excavation equipment to dig deeper into the area flagged by the dogs.
Body Found Wrapped in Tarp and Buried Under Concrete
Investigators uncovered a body wrapped in a tarp, buried beneath a layer of concrete in a grave estimated to be six to eight feet deep, according to police.
Chief Jones stated the remains appeared to have been buried long before Carol Ryan was officially reported missing. However, he said investigators do not yet know how long the body had been in the backyard.
Medical Examiner to Identify Remains
The remains have been sent to the medical examiner, who will determine both the identity of the deceased and the cause and manner of death, authorities said.
Police emphasized that the missing person investigation remains active until forensic testing confirms whether the remains belong to Carol Ryan.
Arrests Made, Charges Filed
Following the discovery, police arrested John Ryan and Samantha Ryan, charging each with one count of desecration of a human corpse.
According to jail records:
- John Ryan, 50, is being held at the Hinds County Jail on a $100,000 bond
- Samantha Ryan, 48, is being held on a $75,000 bond
Investigation Ongoing, More Charges Possible
Chief Jones said the investigation is far from over and that additional charges may be filed as detectives continue reviewing evidence and await forensic results.
Authorities have not yet confirmed a motive or whether the remains are connected to the disappearance of Carol Ryan.
What Happens Next
Police say they are continuing to:
- Trace Carol Ryan’s last known movements
- Review records connected to the nursing home
- Await forensic identification and autopsy findings
- Interview additional witnesses and family members
Conclusion
What began as a routine missing person report has now escalated into a deeply disturbing criminal investigation, with the discovery of a body buried beneath concrete in a residential backyard. As forensic experts work to identify the remains, investigators say more details — and potentially more charges — are expected in the coming days.
If you have information related to this case or similar concerns involving missing persons, contact local law enforcement. Share your experiences in the comments below.
