Judge reads charges to Kansas woman accused in killing, abuse of 7-year-old stepson

KANSAS CITY, Kan. – A Kansas woman accused in the death of her missing 7-year-old stepson has briefly appeared before a judge.

Heather Jones was charged Friday with first-degree murder and child abuse in the death of a child whom authorities believe to be her stepson. She's in custody on $5 million bond. Her husband, Michael Jones, is in custody on the same charges.

Heather Jones appeared Monday via a video feed before a Wyandotte County judge, who read the charges to her and set her next court appearance for Dec. 22.

No lawyer is listed to comment on her behalf.

Police said the child was reported missing after authorities called to the family's home last month found a juvenile's remains at the property. Tests to identify the remains are expected to take weeks.