KANSAS CITY, Kan. – Prosecutors say they may upgrade murder charges against a Kansas man and wife accused in the death of a child who authorities believe is the man's missing 7-year-old son and may have been fed to pigs.
Wyandotte County Deputy District Attorney Sheri Lidtke told a judge Tuesday that charges against Michael and Heather Jones may be upgraded to premeditated first-degree murder in the coming weeks.
She didn't say what evidence prosecutors may have to support the new charge, which carries a minimum 50-year prison sentence. The Joneses are currently charged with felony murder, which carries a life sentence but parole eligibility after 20 years.
Authorities found remains of a juvenile on the family's property in November. Tests to identify the remains are pending.
Another hearing is scheduled for April 8.
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