EDMOND OKLAHOMA, Oklahoma authorities have identified the remains of a woman found in a trash can earlier this week as that of a devout Christian mother allegedly killed by one of her two adopted teenage sons.
Spring Weems, 49, was found dead outside her home in the Cascata Falls neighborhood of Edmond near Oklahoma City on Wednesday afternoon. One of her adopted teen sons has been booked on a first-degree murder complaint in connection with her death.
The investigation began after deputies with the Logan County Sheriff’s Office were called to break up a fight involving two teenagers on the street near Weems’ residence. During questioning, officials said one of the teens admitted that his mother was dead.
When asked about her whereabouts, one sibling reportedly told officers, “Mom is in the trash can,” according to KOCO.
The teen then led deputies to a large trash bin outside the home, where Weems’ body was discovered. Authorities said she suffered injuries considered suspicious and consistent with homicide.
Officials have not released the suspect’s name or age because of juvenile protections, but confirmed that he lived in the home with Weems and his adopted brother. Social media reports suggested the teens involved were believed to be 16 and 17 years old.
Investigators have not disclosed the specific nature of Weems’ injuries, what weapon may have been used, or how long her body had been in the trash container.
A day after the incident, one of the teens posted on Weems’ Facebook page, writing, “I love you momma.”
Reports indicated Weems lived alone with the two teenagers and was their sole guardian. Her social media accounts showed her frequently sharing pride in her sons’ achievements, including attending high school wrestling matches.
The family was also believed to have been connected to Life Church, a non-denominational evangelical congregation. Weems often shared messages of faith and unity online.
In one past post, she wrote about teaching her children not to fight and to love one another, encouraging harmony among all people.
Weems’ body has been transported to the medical examiner’s office for an autopsy.
The arrested teen is being held in a juvenile facility in Canadian County, while the other teen involved in the street altercation has been placed with other family members.
The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation has taken over the case and continues interviewing neighbors and witnesses as the investigation remains ongoing.
