Burned Human Remains Found in East Texas Barrel

The remains of an East Texas man were discovered in a backyard burn barrel after neighbors reported a strange odor.

According to KETK, deputies discovered burned human remains in a backyard burn barrel, launching an investigation into a dispute between a father and son in Henderson County, Texas.

Officers in Henderson County were called to a residence on Monday, May 11 around 8:00 p.m. The call came after a neighbor reported a strong unusual odor and believed a body might be inside a burn barrel.

Deputies Discover Human Remains in Burn Barrel

Upon arrival deputies were able to confirm that a brown barrel contained burned human remains. After searching the property law enforcement located one individual at the residence in one of the bedrooms who said he knew nothing about the incident.

Neighbors Describe Ongoing Father-Son Dispute

Neighbors who first placed the call told law enforcement that Johnny (the father) and Ronny Medford (his son) had been fighting the day prior which continued into the next morning. The same neighbors mentioned seeing Ronny leaving the residence at one point but never saw Johnny. They also mentioned that Johnny in the past made comments about fearing that his son would hurt or kill him.

The neighbor mentioned the property stayed “abnormally quiet” until around 9:00 a.m. on Sunday when he saw Ronny shirtless rushing to wash his hands. Ronny allegedly stated, “they had the house to themselves now.”

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Investigators Find Blood and Drag Marks

Law enforcement was processing the scene and found blood spatter on the walls, floor, and appliances. There were also drag marks from the laundry room to the burn barrel.

Authorities launched a manhunt for Ronny that lasted several days and he was located near Dallas on May 20 where U.S. Marshals took him into custody. He was extradited back to Henderson County where he remains behind bars on a $2 million bond.