ABERDEEN, Wash. — A Washington state father has been arrested in connection with the death of his 4-year-old son after investigators discovered the child’s remains buried on family property in Aberdeen.
Authorities arrested the 36-year-old father on suspicion of second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, unlawful disposal of human remains, and making false statements to a public servant. Formal charges had not yet been filed as of Thursday.
The arrest comes weeks after police found the remains of 4-year-old Aiden Bevins buried on property owned by the boy’s grandmother, where both the father and grandmother lived.
Investigation Began With Missing Child Report
According to Aberdeen police, the investigation began on May 12 while officers were responding to a separate missing child report involving the suspect’s 6-year-old daughter.
The girl was later located safely, and no criminal charges resulted from that incident.
However, during the investigation, authorities learned that Aiden had not been seen for an extended period of time. Concerned relatives requested a welfare check on the young boy.
When questioned by police, the father allegedly claimed that Aiden was staying with a relative outside Washington state.
Investigators later contacted that relative and determined the statement was false.
Child’s Remains Discovered
As detectives continued investigating, they searched the family property and discovered Aiden’s remains on May 15.
Police have not publicly released details regarding how the child died, and investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the case.
The father was taken into custody following weeks of investigation and evidence gathering.
Foster Family Says Warnings Were Ignored
The case has sparked renewed scrutiny of child welfare decisions after Aiden’s former foster family revealed they had repeatedly expressed concerns about returning him to his biological family.
According to the foster parents, Aiden spent approximately half of his life in foster care and lived with them from ages 1 to 3.
They claim the child sometimes returned from visits with biological relatives appearing neglected and that they repeatedly contacted child welfare officials to voice concerns about his safety.
The family says they warned Child Protective Services, social workers, and foster care agencies that they believed Aiden was at risk.
“We think this child is in trouble. Please look into it,” the foster family reportedly told officials.
They now say their concerns were ignored.
Father arrested for allegedly killing and burying son in his backyard in Washington https://t.co/SXg7aGL5Qs
— KGW News (@KGWNews) June 5, 2026
Community Mourns Young Boy
News of the arrest has devastated the Aberdeen community, where residents have gathered to remember Aiden and call for justice.
Family members have publicly mourned the 4-year-old while seeking answers about what led to his death.
Investigators continue to process evidence and conduct interviews as the homicide investigation remains active.
Case Remains Under Investigation
Authorities have not released additional details regarding a possible motive or the exact timeline leading up to Aiden’s death.
The suspect remains in custody as prosecutors review the case.
As with all criminal proceedings, the allegations remain unproven in court, and the suspect is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt
