Two parents from Indiana are in custody following accusations of murdering their two children and subsequently disposing of their bodies in a backyard firepit.
Steven Valle, 31, and Samantha Sebella, 25, have been charged with murder, neglect of a dependent resulting in death, abuse of a corpse, and failing to report a deceased individual.
Authorities in Jasper County initiated an investigation on September 20 following reports of an individual allegedly admitting to friends that they had killed two children and disposed of their bodies by burning them at a residence in Wheatfield.
Authorities described the deceased children as lacking formal documentation, indicating they were probably born at home without receiving essential records such as birth certificates or social security numbers.
Authorities located Valle and Sebella at a hotel in Newton County. They claimed ignorance, but the police seized their phones for evidence. Authorities received fresh details, yet the parents maintained their innocence, according to police. In the meantime, a third undocumented child has been taken from their care.
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On September 30, law enforcement officials, including the Sheriff’s Office, Indiana State Police, and Jasper County Coroner’s Office, along with two cadaver dogs, arrived at the Wheatfield property where Valle and Sebella once resided. The couple was said to have been removed from the property earlier this year.
Authorities transported the bone fragments to an expert in Indianapolis for analysis to establish whether they originated from a human infant or an animal. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the bones are human.
Records indicate that a judge determined there was sufficient evidence to arrest Valle and Sebella on Friday. Authorities have transported them to the Jasper County Detention Center, where they are currently held without bond.