Greene County, Pennsylvania – A Pennsylvania husband and wife are facing multiple criminal charges after police say they lived in their home for months with the decomposing body of a close family member in order to continue collecting his Social Security benefits.
James Bebout, 69, and his wife, Debbie Bebout, 64, were charged with theft, conspiracy, and abuse of a corpse nearly a year after authorities discovered the remains of James Bebout’s brother inside their residence. Investigators believe the man had been dead for at least six months before police were notified.
Discovery of the Body Inside the Home
According to investigators, police were first alerted in January when James Bebout contacted authorities and reported that he found his brother, Michael Bebout, 64, unresponsive in bed. He told officers that when he attempted to bring Michael breakfast, he discovered him “stiff as a board.”
When officers entered the home, they made a disturbing discovery. A criminal complaint states that Michael Bebout’s body had fully decomposed, leaving behind skeletal remains lying in a bed. Authorities said the condition of the body indicated he had been dead for an extended period.
Police Describe a “House of Horror”
Greene Washington Regional Police Chief Will DeForte described the home in graphic terms following the discovery.
“In my 35 years of law enforcement, this was probably one of the most atrocious and horrific conditions we’ve ever found a decedent,” DeForte said.
He further described the environment inside the residence, stating, “There was wall-to-wall dog feces. The situation looked like a hoarder had lived there, very difficult to traverse through the residence, and the odor was extraordinarily unpleasant.”
Investigators said the living conditions made it clear that the home had not been properly maintained and that the body had gone undiscovered—or unreported—for months.
Timeline of Events Leading to Charges
Police believe Michael Bebout likely died of natural causes during the summer of 2024 while living with his brother and sister-in-law. Despite his death, authorities say the couple did not report it and continued living in the home with his remains.
Nearly eleven months later, investigators allege that James and Debbie Bebout were still depositing Michael Bebout’s Social Security checks into their own bank accounts. Authorities estimate that approximately $20,000 in benefits intended for Michael were collected during that time.
Chief DeForte said those funds were never meant for the couple and were unlawfully obtained.
Allegations of Deception Inside the Household
Further details from the investigation suggest that Debbie Bebout played a direct role in concealing the death. Lt. Nathan Ferree stated that Debbie Bebout “actually pretended to take care of him while the brother didn’t know it for a while.”
Police allege that this deception allowed the couple to avoid detection and continue receiving benefits over several months. Investigators did not clarify how long James Bebout may have been unaware of his brother’s death, but say both eventually participated in the scheme.
Charges and Ongoing Investigation
Arrest warrants have been issued for both James and Debbie Bebout. Authorities believe the couple is currently located in Washington County, Pennsylvania. They each face charges of theft, conspiracy, and abuse of a corpse, all serious offenses under Pennsylvania law.
Despite the disturbing nature of the case, police emphasized that they do not suspect foul play in Michael Bebout’s death. Medical findings and evidence at the scene indicate that he likely died from natural causes.
A Case That Shocked Investigators
Law enforcement officials described the situation as one of the most unsettling cases they have encountered, not because of violence, but due to the prolonged neglect and financial exploitation involved.
“This was not just a failure to report a death,” an investigator noted. “It involved living among the remains of a family member while continuing to benefit financially.”
What Happens Next
Authorities are continuing efforts to locate and arrest the Bebouts. Once in custody, they are expected to be formally arraigned and could face significant penalties if convicted.
Cases involving abuse of a corpse and benefit fraud often carry severe legal consequences, particularly when the alleged misconduct spans several months and involves large sums of money.
Anyone with information about the whereabouts of James or Debbie Bebout is urged to contact local law enforcement.
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