VERMILLION COUNTY, IN – A 20-year-old man, Nicholas Thomas Yates, has been arrested and charged with murder after authorities say he killed his own mother, then placed her body in a wooden box and set it aflame in a backyard burn pit. The incident reportedly occurred at their residence on the 300 block of Davis Street, approximately 80 miles west of Indianapolis.
Missing Person Report Leads to Investigation
According to the Indiana State Police, Yates contacted the Vermillion County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday, reporting that his mother had been missing for several days. He claimed he was unable to reach her and requested assistance in locating her. Yates and his mother shared the residence, prompting authorities to involve the state police’s Putnamville Post in the investigation.
During the course of the investigation, detectives uncovered evidence of criminal activity, ultimately determining that the woman had been murdered, leading to Yates’ arrest. He was taken into custody without incident and is being held at the Vermillion County Jail. The name of the deceased has not been released pending positive identification by the Vermillion County Coroner’s Office, a process expected to take several weeks.
Inconsistencies and Suspicious Behavior
A probable cause affidavit revealed several inconsistencies in Yates’ account. When questioned, he reportedly made statements implying his mother was no longer alive, raising immediate suspicion.
- Yates claimed his mother’s clothes, ID, and banking cards were missing but said her phone, wallet, and purse remained at home.
- He also claimed he had repeatedly tried calling her phone, yet alleged she had purchased a new phone with the same number.
- Investigators noted two individuals had moved into the mother’s bedroom during this time, and their statements contradicted several of Yates’ claims.
Authorities also discovered Yates had been cleaning extensively and spending money at restaurants and stores, further fueling suspicion.
Discovery of Human Remains
The critical evidence came when investigators searched the backyard burn pit. Police reported finding bones consistent with human remains, including a bone appearing to be part of a human spinal cord.
When confronted with this evidence, Yates allegedly confessed to killing his mother on October 3, following an argument about him moving out. According to authorities:
- Yates reportedly struck his mother in the throat, causing her to turn blue and fall.
- During the fall, she allegedly hit her head on a metal bed frame and a wooden chest.
- Yates then admitted to placing her body in a wooden box and burning it over the course of October 4 in the outdoor fire pit.
Legal Proceedings
Yates has pleaded not guilty during his initial hearing and is represented by the West Central Indiana Public Defender’s Office. He is scheduled for a pre-trial conference on January 7, 2026. No additional charges have been disclosed at this time, and the investigation remains active.
Community and Police Statement
The investigation has shocked the local community. Authorities continue to urge residents to report any suspicious activity and remain vigilant about family safety and domestic disputes.
Indiana State Police emphasized their commitment to thoroughly investigating the case and ensuring the proper legal process is followed.
Call to Action
What are your thoughts on this tragic incident? Share your opinion in the comments below and discuss how communities can better detect and prevent domestic violence before it escalates to such devastating outcomes.
