A Texas man who was recently charged with his wife’s murder was accused of attempting to conceal her remains by hiding them with cow bones.
The San Antonio Express-News reported that Andre Sean McDonald, 40, was arrested Saturday, two days after Andreen McDonald’s body was discovered on a ranch six miles from their San Antonio home. Her body was reportedly covered with wood and cow bones and set ablaze; plastic or another kind of synthetic material was also located at the scene.
The owner of Starlight Homes Assisted Living, Andreen, 29, was last seen alive on February 28. Citing an arrest warrant, The Daily Beast reported that phone records indicated the couple was home together the entire evening.
Two of Andreen’s friends were said to have reported her missing a day later after discovering a burn pile in the back of their home and blood and hair on a light switch located in the master bedroom. A search of the home reportedly uncovered human blood in the bathroom.
The couple’s relationship was described as tumultuous: Law enforcement had been called to the home in the past, and Andre filed for divorce in February 2017 but had dismissed the petition months later. However, the two friends who went to police claimed Andreen told them that if she “ever went missing or was found dead, Andre had killed her,” according to The Daily Beast.
The Air Force major was initially arrested on evidence tampering charges allegedly destroying two receipts which showed he bought an ax, shovel, heavy-duty trash bags, work gloves, and gasoline around the time of his wife’s disappearance. He was out on bail prior to his arrest Saturday.
The same day as Andre’s rearrest, Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar reiterated that they believe the couple’s 8-year-old autistic daughter saw Andreen’s murder.
“I am still of the belief this little girl witnessed at least some things in connection with the death of her mom,” he told reporters, according to People.
Salazar went on to reveal that they haven’t established a motive in this case.
The Express-News reported that the remains discovered on the ranch were confirmed as Andreen through dental records.
Andre is charged with first-degree murder charges and remains jailed on $2 million bond. He’s scheduled to appear in court on September 3.
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[Featured image: Andre and Andreen McDonald/Facebook]
