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2 men accused of stealing woman`s body, belongings
2 men accused of stealing woman`s body, belongings
GRAHAM, Wash. -- Two Pierce County men are facing charges after prosecutors say they moved the body of a dead woman from her home and tried to steal everything she had in life.
Police believe 63-year old Janet Mueller died of natural causes while unloading hay for her horse. They also believe her body may have been lying next to her home in Graham for more than a month.
“She was a loner,” said a friend and neighbor who didn’t want to be identified, as she explained why no one had checked on Mueller. “She didn’t like people around.”
Police say someone eventually did discover her body. They believe James Conner found it while attempting to burglarize the house.
Prosecutors say that instead of contacting authorities, Conner transported the body to his property in Eatonville, wrapping it in a sheet and covering it with hay in his yard.
“This is a strange story and we’re still sorting it out,” said Mark Lindquist, Pierce County prosecutor. “They took advantage of the opportunity and cleared out the house and took her cars.”
Conner is named in court documents, along with another man, Curtis Jones.
Prosecutors believe they also tried to steal Mueller’s identity and clean out her bank accounts.
“When they tried to get into her bank account by faking a power of attorney, a smart teller caught on to them, and that’s how they got busted,” said Lindquist.
Both men are being held in jail for investigation of burglary, identity theft, and other charges.
Their first court appearance is on Monday.