Son Faces Charges After Allegedly Living With Mother's Decomposing Body
In a disturbing case from Bensalem, Pennsylvania, a son has been charged after authorities allege he continued living in his home with his mother's decomposing body for more than one week. Derrick Bouffard, 37, is accused of failing to report the death of his 70-year-old mother, Cynthia Bouffard, for an extended period while allegedly maintaining a normal routine.
Chilling Claim to Police
When police finally arrived at the residence following concerns from neighbors, Bouffard is believed to have made a peculiar statement to officers. "I was just about to call you guys. My mom stopped breathing this morning," he reportedly told them, despite evidence suggesting the death had occurred much earlier. This 14-word claim has become a central element in the investigation into his alleged behavior.
Gruesome Discovery
Investigators described a horrifying scene inside the home. According to a police affidavit obtained by media outlets, Cynthia's remains were "skeleton-like" with almost no flesh on her bones and eyes barely visible. The affidavit noted she appeared "dead for longer than a few hours," with an autopsy later determining she had likely been deceased for at least seven days before discovery, possibly closer to two weeks.
The home was found in complete disarray with a powerful odor of decomposition permeating the property. Authorities reported insects present throughout the residence and multiple fans placed in various rooms, apparently in an attempt to circulate air. Baking soda had been spread on surfaces in what police believe was an effort to reduce the overwhelming smell.
Neighbor Concerns and Daily Activities
Neighbors first grew concerned after noticing an overgrown lawn and detecting a foul odor emanating from the property. Despite the presence of his mother's decomposing body on a mattress on the floor, Bouffard allegedly continued with daily activities including ordering food deliveries to the home. Investigators claim he would have had to walk past the corpse each time he answered the door for these deliveries.
Police also reportedly discovered internet searches on Bouffard's phone related to how to report a death and when to notify a bank about a deceased person's accounts. These digital traces have become part of the evidence against him.
Family Background and Medical Findings
Relatives informed police that Cynthia Bouffard suffered from advanced dementia and was completely dependent on her son for care. She could neither walk nor speak, making Bouffard her primary caregiver in her final years. Despite the disturbing circumstances surrounding the discovery of her body, the medical examiner determined she died of natural causes with no signs of being deprived of food or basic necessities.
The Bucks County District Attorney's Office has confirmed these medical findings, which are supported by court documents and local media reports. The absence of evidence suggesting neglect or foul play in her actual death has made the subsequent handling of her remains the focus of the criminal case.
Legal Proceedings
Derrick Bouffard has been formally charged with abuse of a corpse, a serious offense under Pennsylvania law. He is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on April 8, where prosecutors will present their evidence about his alleged actions following his mother's death. The case has drawn significant attention due to the disturbing nature of the allegations and the psychological questions it raises about Bouffard's behavior during the period he allegedly lived with the decomposing body.
