Editor’s note: The following report contains graphic and disturbing descriptions of alleged child abuse, neglect and violence. Reader discretion is strongly advised.
A Texas County couple faces second-degree murder charges after skeletal remains discovered on their property in March were confirmed to be those of a child they had previously reported missing.
The Texas County Sheriff’s Office announced the charges via social media on May 7. Chaun C. Asbury, 42, and Tamla G. Asbury, 45, were arrested after authorities found five other children suffering from extreme abuse and neglect while executing a search warrant in the Bucyrus area.
A grand jury indictment charges each suspect with second-degree murder as a result of child abuse or neglect; abuse or neglect of a child resulting in death; first-degree domestic assault resulting in serious injury; abandonment of a corpse; five counts of abuse or neglect of a child resulting in serious physical injury; and five counts of abuse or neglect of a child resulting in serious emotional injury. All charges are felonies, and both individuals are being held without bond.
The St. Louis County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the remains belong to Caesar Asbury, who had previously been reported by the couple as a possible runaway.Investigators initially discovered the remains March 10 in a shallow grave on a property off Lundy Road.
The indictment alleges that around May 25, 2022, the couples caused the injuries that resulted in the death of the teen, who was 14 at the time.
Texas County Sheriff Scott Lindsey described the environment as “absolutely the worst case of child abuse and neglect” he has witnessed during his 28-year career in law enforcement.
The multi-agency search warrant was executed by the sheriff's office with assistance from the Texas County Special Response Team and the Houston and Licking Police departments. The five surviving children found at the scene were placed into state custody.
According to court documents, investigators located one child locked inside an outdoor shed where the windows had been screwed shut. The structure lacked electricity, running water, heating or cooling.
A second child was immediately hospitalized for medical treatment. An initial medical examination revealed extreme malnourishment and multiple untreated fractures in both of the child's arms. Investigators noted the same child had previously been bound to a bed by both arms and legs with zip ties, with duct tape wrapped around their head to cover their mouth.
The grand jury indictment further alleges the children lived in filthy conditions with overflowing composting toilets and no electricity or running water. The suspects allegedly fed the victims rotten food, left them malnourished, and routinely tied them to trees while beating them with objects and striking them with stones.
Court records show Chaun Asbury is scheduled for a plea entry or trial setting July 21 before 25th Circuit Judge Brendon Fox. He is represented by Public Defender Sarah Johnson of Columbia.
Tamla Asbury is scheduled to appear June 2 for a trial setting before 25th Circuit Judge Zachary Armfield. She is represented by Special Public Defender David Mills of Rolla.
Both cases are being prosecuted by Texas County Both cases are being prosecuted by Texas County Prosecutor Parke Stevens, alongside Assistant Prosecutors James Weber and Patrick Smith.
Both cases are being prosecuted by Texas County Prosecutor Parke Stevens, alongside Assistant Prosecutors James Weber and Patrick Smith.
