A shocking case of benefit fraud and corpse abuse has emerged from Pennsylvania, where a woman is accused of hiding her brother-in-law's decomposing remains for months to steal his government payments.
A 'Horror Show' Discovery
On January 16, police responding to a report of a death at a home in Pennsylvania were met with an overwhelming odour described as an "olfactory deluge" of death. Officers had expected to find a recently deceased person but instead discovered a scene they labelled a "horror show".
Inside the filthy, cluttered two-bedroom property, which was filled wall-to-wall with dog faeces, they found the skeletal remains of 64-year-old Michael Bebout. Greene-Washington Regional Police Chief Will DeForte called it "one of the most atrocious and horrific conditions we've ever found a decedent".
The Sickening Scheme for Cash
An autopsy later confirmed Michael Bebout had likely died in August 2024, with no evidence of foul play in his death. However, the investigation revealed a disturbing motive for concealing his body.
Prosecutors allege that Debbie Bebout, 64, Michael's sister-in-law and primary caregiver, kept his rotting corpse in the home to continue cashing his Social Security cheques. The total amount fraudulently obtained was $6,189 (approximately £3,069), spent on household expenses like groceries and kerosene for heating.
Debbie Bebout is now expected to plead guilty to one count of felony theft as part of a "fast track" plea deal and is likely to be sentenced to time already served.
Husband's 'Impossible' Ignorance Claim
The case took another twist with the involvement of Debbie's husband, James Bebout, 68, Michael's brother. He contacted authorities on January 16, claiming he had just discovered his brother's body, which he said was "stiff as a board".
James Bebout insists he had no knowledge his brother was dead or that the body was in the home for months. However, both police and the prosecution argue this claim is "impossible" given the overpowering smell and the fact the body was in a bedroom just feet from the living room where the couple slept on couches.
Assistant District Attorney Robert West stated, "Inaction is action when it comes to the desecration of a body". The presiding judge agreed, noting that living at the same address as the corpse negated the defendant's claim of ignorance.
While one felony theft charge against James Bebout was dismissed, he is set to stand trial on charges of conspiracy to commit theft and misdemeanour abuse of a corpse. He remains in custody at Washington County Jail on a $6,000 cash bond, with his arraignment scheduled for January 27.
