Body of Missing Elkridge Woman Found Under Shed After 21 Years, Husband Charged

Police have found the body of a woman they believe was killed 21 years ago and charged her husband, who lives on Claire Drive in Elkridge, in her death.

Detectives Wednesday searched the property of Robert Jarrett, 57, and found a body buried in concrete under his shed. They charged him with first and second-degree murder in the killing of his former wife, Christine Jarrett, whom he reported missing in 1991.

Robert Jarrett's current wife, from whom police said he is now separated, lives at the Claire Drive home.

"Police received permission from the current wife to conduct a search of the property and found the remains of a woman believed to be Christine Jarrett under the floorboards of a shed, buried in concrete," said the Howard County Police Department (HCPD) in a written statement.

"The remains will be analyzed by the medical examiner to confirm identity and cause of death," said the report. "Personal effects located with the body indicate it likely is Christine Jarrett."

On Friday, the medical examiner confirmed through dental records that the remains were those of Christine Jarrett.

In the last few hours of Jan. 3, 1991, Christine Jarrett reportedly had a dispute with her husband, according to the Doe Network, a volunteer group that helps law enforcement track missing persons. She was not seen after that.

Robert Jarrett reported his wife missing Jan. 5, 1991, according to HCPD.

"Police suspected foul play but did not have evidence at the time to prove it," said HCPD in a statement released April 19.

On Thursday morning, a note on the door at the Jarrett residence was posted that read: "No trespassing. No media."

Robert Jarrett was held at the Howard County Detention Center with no bond.

This article was updated on April 21 to reflect that the remains have been verified as those of Christine Jarrett.