by Whitwell, Tennessee – A shocking case has unfolded in Marion County after authorities arrested a man accused of hiding and burning his father’s body in a firepit off a rural road.
According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, 56-year-old Richard Keith Wilder was taken into custody and charged with one count of abuse of a corpse. Under Tennessee law, this is a Class E felony punishable by up to six years in prison and a $3,000 fine.
Body Discovered in Firepit
Investigators said they “developed information” that led them to a remote location in Mullins Cove, a rural road a few miles from the Tennessee borders with Alabama and Georgia.
At the site, detectives discovered human remains inside a firepit, which they believe belong to Wilder’s father. The remains were recovered and sent to the Tennessee Medical Examiner’s Office in Nashville for confirmation of identity.
Arrest and Ongoing Investigation
As per Law & Crime, Wilder was arrested on August 14, 2025, at his Whitwell residence. The sheriff’s office said detectives were assisted by investigators from the district attorney’s office and the 12th Judicial District Drug and Violent Crime Task Force during the arrest.
He was transported to the Marion County Justice Center and booked ahead of his first scheduled court appearance in General Sessions Court on Wednesday, August 20.
Authorities said no further details are being released due to the ongoing investigation.
Sheriff’s Statement
Marion County Sheriff Ronnie “Bo” Burnett told the Chattanooga Times Free Press that investigators believe Wilder attempted to dispose of the body months earlier.
“His father passed away back in December, and he took him over to a spot on Mullins Cove and tried to destroy the body by fire, according to our investigators,” Burnett said.
Timeline of the Case
Authorities said the investigation into Wilder’s father’s disappearance began in late 2024. It remains unclear how the elder Wilder died, and officials have not stated whether foul play is suspected in his death.
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Detectives from the neighboring Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office also joined in the recovery efforts at the site in Mullins Cove.
Legal Context
Under Tennessee law, abuse of a corpse includes acts such as dismembering, concealing, or burning a body in a way that is deemed offensive to community standards. Convictions can lead to prison time, probation, or fines.
Legal experts note that charges for abuse of a corpse may sometimes precede or accompany more serious charges, depending on what future evidence reveals.
Community Reaction
The case has rattled residents in Whitwell, a small town roughly 20 miles north of Mullins Cove, where Wilder’s home is located. While authorities have not released details about the family’s background or Wilder’s motive, the unusual nature of the case has drawn attention across Tennessee.
What’s Next
Wilder remains in custody awaiting his court date. The medical examiner’s findings are expected to shed light on the timeline and cause of death, which could determine whether additional charges are filed.
For now, prosecutors have confirmed that the case remains active and under investigation.
What do you think about this disturbing Tennessee case? Should the state consider tougher penalties for the mishandling of human remains? Share your thoughts in the comments on ibwhsmag.com.
