An Indiana man has been charged with murder after allegedly beating his mother to death and attempting to dispose of her body by burning it in a backyard, authorities said.
Nicholas Thomas Yates, 20, reported his mother missing to the Vermillion County Sheriff’s Office on Sunday. He claimed she had not returned home for several days. The mother and son shared a residence in Clinton, approximately 80 miles west of Indianapolis.
As police began their investigation, they grew suspicious of Yates’ claims. The Indiana State Police’s Putnamville Post was called in to assist, and the investigation quickly uncovered evidence of a murder, leading to Yates’ arrest.
Though the deceased’s identity hasn’t been officially confirmed pending verification by the Vermillion County Coroner’s Office, a probable cause affidavit provides details on the evidence that led to Yates’ arrest. The affidavit describes Yates as initially suspicious, as he referred to his mother in the past tense and made contradictory statements about her belongings.
Investigators also learned from the mother’s employer that she was frustrated with Yates for financial reasons before last being seen on Oct. 3, expressing a desire to confront him.
The most damning evidence surfaced when authorities discovered bones in a burn pit in the backyard, one resembling a human spinal cord. Yates allegedly confessed to killing his mother during an argument over his moving out. He reportedly admitted to striking her, causing her to fall and hit her head, after which he placed her body in a box and attempted to burn it.
Yates pleaded not guilty at his initial court appearance. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to verify all details surrounding the case.