For months, Robert Debeary’s family searched for answers about his disappearance. Investigators say the missing Albuquerque man was eventually found buried beneath the porch of the home where he rented a room.
His landlord, 33-year-old Jonah Jeter, is now accused of killing the 52-year-old and concealing his body on the property.
Albuquerque police charged Jeter on November 11 with an open count of murder, three counts of tampering with evidence and aggravated burglary. He was already in custody following an October arrest involving firearms.
Debeary’s family reported him missing in August after losing contact with him. According to a criminal complaint described by local news outlets, relatives told investigators he had been having problems with his landlord.
Investigators said Jeter gave conflicting accounts about whether Debeary had been evicted and whether he had moved belongings from the tenant’s room.
An initial search raised another question: Some of Debeary’s possessions were still there, but his bed was gone. Jeter allegedly told investigators the tenant did not have one.
Family members also reported finding a reddish-brown stain they believed could be blood, while other tenants noticed a depression in the backyard, according to accounts of the complaint.
An anonymous tip helped shift the investigation toward Jeter. Detectives subsequently obtained search warrants for his vehicle and property.
On October 27, investigators returned to the Alcazar Street Northeast residence. Human-remains detection dogs alerted beneath the porch, according to the Albuquerque Journal.
Buried about two feet underground, investigators found Debeary’s remains along with a mattress. Court documents cited in local reporting described a bed frame buried there as well.
An autopsy identified Debeary and determined he had suffered a gunshot wound.
Debeary had survived four strokes and lived with significant disabilities, according to the complaint. He had paralysis on one side of his body and used a cane.
Jeter told investigators he had recently landscaped the backyard but denied burying Debeary or the bed, according to police.
He remains at the Metropolitan Detention Center as the case proceeds. The charges are allegations, and he has not been convicted in Debeary’s death.
