Hoarding Tragedy: Man Found Dead in Cluttered Houston Townhome
The clutter was so dense in a northwest Houston townhome that Houston police called on Texas EquuSearch on Friday to locate a man’s body. The homeowner, said to be in his mid-70s, had not been seen in months.
Discovery of the Body
“A cadaver dog found the badly decomposed body under about four feet of debris,” Tim Miller, founder of Texas EquuSearch, said. The shocking discovery left Miller and the authorities stunned. “You think you’ve seen everything, and then you realize you haven’t,” Miller told ABC13.
Hazardous Conditions
Hazmat suits, gloves, and masks were all must-haves to enter the townhome on Witte Road in the Spring Branch area. The clutter was so overwhelming that there was nowhere to walk. “I don’t understand how anyone could live in those conditions,” said Neil Zimmerman, a neighbor and board member of the homeowner’s association at the Shadow Pines Townhomes.
Awareness of Hoarding Issue
Residents in the area were aware of the hoarding issue that had developed over the years. They had tried to help the man, but their efforts were hindered when a state agency wanted to exterminate what he called his pet rats. The odor emanating from the townhome became unbearable, prompting Luis Miranda, another HOA board member, to investigate.
Challenges Faced by Authorities
Houston police and fire crews responded to the scene, but health and safety concerns delayed their efforts to uncover the man’s body. Rats greeted them at the back of the townhome, adding to the challenges they faced. “I didn’t think we would get all the boxes out of the way. They just caved in on him,” Miller said.
Community’s Regret
Board members of the homeowner’s association expressed their sadness over the situation. The HOA will likely have to bear the cost of the hazmat cleanup. “It is super sad. Nobody is here to claim him or check up on him,” Miranda said. Despite their efforts, they were unable to find the necessary help for the man.
Investigation and Cause of Death
The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences removed the body from the scene for further investigation. A cause of death will be determined through forensic analysis.
