WICHITA, Kan. -- A father spent months trying to protect his son from apparent abuse before the toddler's remains were believed to be found in concrete at a home in Wichita, Kansas.
The 41 Action News Investigators obtained Sedgwick County court records that reveal Carlo Brewer began to suspect his son, Evan Brewer, was being abused back in 2016.
At the time, Evan was living with his mother, Miranda Miller, and her live-in boyfriend, Stephen Bodine.
On Saturday, police discovered what they believe to be Evan's remains at Miller and Bodine's home.
"The property owner was cleaning out his rental property and he alerted police to a suspicious concrete structure," Wichita Police Lt. Jeff Gilmore said. "There was an odor emitting from this structure."
Brewer filed several protection from abuse orders, which show he contacted police and the Kansas Department for Children and Families in efforts to save his 3-year-old son.
The first order, against both Miller and Bodine, was filed in May of this year.
Brewer writes that a witness told him Bodine would beat his son, "to the brink of death."
Brewer also claims DCF was notified on several occasions that Evan was being abused.
Those reports to DCF began as early as 2016, according to Brewer.
In February of this year, after a week-long visit with Evan, Brewer said he questioned Miller about Evan's aggressive behavior toward other children.
At that point, Brewer claims Miller would no longer allow him visitation with Evan.
Brewer also states that he and his attorney requested Miller take Evan to a doctor for evaluation, but she refused.
Gilmore said police could not take the lead on the investigation until the protection order was served.
"DCF is the primary investigative agency involving the child until a protection from abuse order was served," Gilmore said.
Once the order was filed, Gilmore said police made efforts to remove Evan from his mother's custody.
However, police believe Miller left the state with Evan.
"Using surveillance, speaking to neighbors and contacting the residents, officers were unable to locate the mother or the child," Gilmore said.
In late August, Gilmore said police could verify that Miller was aware of the order and was avoiding contact with police.
On Aug. 30, Miller and Bodine were arrested in Wichita.
Evan was not with them.
What's believed to be Evan's remains were found three days later.
Miller is charged with aggravated interference with child custody. Bodine is charged with aggravated assault, though it's not known if that pertains to this case.
Neither Bodine or Miller are charged with the boy's death.
Police are waiting to confirm the remains upon the return of a DNA test. The results are expected in about two weeks.
Evan is the grandson of Carl Brewer, a candidate for governor of Kansas. He's also the former Mayor of Wichita.
Carl Brewer released a statement on Facebook about the tragedy.
We are devastated by the death of our sweet and loving grandson, Evan. We can not begin to make sense of this tragedy but are thankful the suspects are in custody. We request prayers and privacy for our family during this difficult time and while the police continue their investigation. We will take time to grieve and then return to the campaign trail soon.
The 41 Action News Investigators requested Evan's records from DCF. Theresa Freed, spokesperson for the agency, issued the following statement:
Please be advised that there is an active investigation by DCF and law enforcement regarding Evan Brewer. At this time, the remains of the child found have not been confirmed to be the remains of Evan Brewer. Without confirmation of the death of a child, the requested information is prohibited from disclosure.
