Parents of DeOrr Kunz named as suspects in missing toddler case

Lemhi County Sheriff Lynn Bowerman announced Monday that the parents of missing toddler DeOrr Kunz, Jr. are considered the top suspects in the case.

Bowerman stated that Jessica Mitchell and DeOrr Kunz Sr have been “less than truthful” since the beginning of the investigation. Bowerman tells Local News 8 and KIDK 3 Eyewitness news that both parents have been “continuously untruthful” and that their stories about what happened have changed multiple times.

DeOrr Kunz Jr. was reported missing July 10, 2015. His parents told authorities the boy disappeared during a family camping trip near Leadore. Months of searching for the toddler turned up no information on the toddlers location.

No warrants for arrest have been issued at this time.

“Due to concerns about Double Jeopardy, and making sure that we investigate this properly, and charge the proper people with the proper crime,” Bowermen said.

Under the Double Jeopardy Clause of the Fifth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, a person cannot be prosecuted for the same offense twice.

In addition to that, the investigation needs to hold up in court. The evidence police need to arrest someone is different from what a prosecutor needs. Police need probable cause to arrest someone, where as, a prosecutor needs to prove a case beyond reasonable doubt.

“That’s a different amount of evidence, a different quantity and quality of evidence,” Bonneville County Prosecutor Danny Clark said. “So anytime the prosecutor and police can work together toward that goal of prosecuting a case beyond reasonable doubt, or proving it beyond reasonable doubt, I think that’s the best way to proceed.”

The sheriff is asking the public to come forward with any information concerning the disappearance. You can contact either the Lemhi County Sheriff’s office at 208-756-8980 or Bonneville County Sheriff’s office at 208-529-1375.