Unidentified human remains were discovered wrapped in a tarp and buried six to eight feet deep in the backyard of 81-year-old Carol Ryan’s home after police executed a search warrant following a family’s missing-persons report. Jackson Police say the grave contained concrete and may have been created before Ryan was reported missing. Her son, John Ryan, 50, and daughter‑in‑law, Samantha Ryan, 48, were arrested and charged with desecration of a human corpse; bonds are set at $100,000 and $75,000. Forensic testing is ongoing to confirm the identity of the remains, and authorities say additional charges are possible.
Human Remains Found In Backyard Of Missing 81-Year-Old; Son And Daughter‑In‑Law Arrested
Jackson Police DepartmentJohn Ryan, Samantha Ryan mugshots
Unidentified human remains were recovered from a makeshift grave behind the home of 81-year-old Carol Ryan in Jackson, Mississippi, after police executed a search warrant following a missing-persons report, authorities said.
Jackson Police Chief Tyree Jones said officers issued a missing-persons alert on Dec. 22 after a family member reported that Ryan had not been heard from for several months and that she was expected at a nursing facility in Brandon but could not be located there.
According to Chief Jones, investigators obtained a search warrant for Ryan’s residence the night of Dec. 22. Evidence uncovered during the search prompted officers to bring in excavators and heavy equipment to dig in the backyard, where they discovered human remains wrapped in a tarp.
The remains were buried in a depression estimated at six to eight feet deep and contained concrete, Chief Jones said. Investigators indicated the burial appeared to have occurred "long before" Ryan was reported missing. Forensic testing is underway; the remains have not yet been positively identified, and Ryan remains classified as a missing person until identification is confirmed.
On Dec. 24 the Jackson Police Department announced the arrests of Ryan’s son, 50-year-old John Ryan, and his wife, 48-year-old Samantha Ryan. Both were charged with desecration of a human corpse. Online jail records list John Ryan’s bond at $100,000 and Samantha Ryan’s bond at $75,000. Chief Jones said additional charges are possible as the investigation continues.
Authorities said Carol Ryan had been living in the house with her son and daughter‑in‑law. It was not immediately clear whether the defendants had retained attorneys who could speak on their behalf, and the Jackson Police Department did not immediately respond to requests for further comment.
Ongoing Investigation
Investigators continue forensic work to determine the identity of the remains and to establish a full timeline of events surrounding Ryan’s disappearance. Police ask anyone with information to contact the Jackson Police Department as the case remains active.
