What happened to Natalie Garcia?

Natalie Garcia, the adopted daughter of Crystina Schroer, was murdered by her mother in 2020. Natalie's remains were discovered buried in Crystina's backyard in 2024, four years after she went missing.

How was Crystina Schroer punished for Natalie's murder?

In November 2025, Crystina Schroer was sentenced to 215 months in prison for Natalie's murder and other related charges, including child abuse and theft.

Where was Natalie Garcia's body found?

Natalie's decomposed remains were located in a black plastic bag buried two feet underground in a section of Crystina's backyard that was overgrown with weeds.

Home / Crime and Justice / Kansas Mother Sentenced to 215 Months for Adopted Daughter's Murder

Kansas Mother Sentenced to 215 Months for Adopted Daughter's Murder

12 Nov

•

Summary

Crystina Schroer sentenced for 2020 murder of adopted daughter Natalie Garcia
Natalie's remains found buried in Crystina's backyard in 2024
Autopsy report listed cause of death as "probable suffocation"

Kansas Mother Sentenced to 215 Months for Adopted Daughter's Murder

On November 12, 2025, a Kansas mother, Crystina Schroer, was sentenced to 215 months in prison for the 2020 murder of her adopted daughter, Natalie Garcia. Authorities discovered Natalie's decomposed remains buried in Crystina's backyard just last year, four years after the child had gone missing.

The case came to light in September 2024 when police responded to Crystina's home for a report that she was threatening to take her own life. During the investigation, Crystina claimed that one of the other adopted children had killed Natalie. However, further questioning of the children revealed a horrific truth.

Natalie's sister told police that in 2020, Crystina had forced the young girl into a small box and then stacked blankets and a baby crib on top of her, leading to Natalie's probable suffocation. The autopsy report later confirmed the cause of death as homicide.