Alleged Squatter Arrested for Illegally Occupying and Selling Dead Man’s Home in Arizona
An alleged squatter in Arizona was apprehended by the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office after illegally moving into a deceased man’s home and selling the man’s SUV. The suspect, Michael Macinnis, 45, was arrested on January 3 on multiple felony charges, including forging documents to make it appear that he was the legal owner of the 2005 Chevy Tahoe.
Illegal Occupation and Forgery
According to investigators, Macinnis unlawfully entered the Cordes Lakes home of the deceased individual in May 2023 and had been squatting there. During this time, he allegedly forged car documents to make it seem like he was the estate’s personal representative. The actual homeowner had passed away several months prior to Macinnis’ occupation of the property.
Macinnis is accused of using forged documents to sell the Tahoe to a resident of Flagstaff, which is approximately 80 miles north of Cordes Lakes.
Arrest and Drug Involvement
When authorities attempted to arrest Macinnis on January 3, he resisted and even slammed a metal door on a deputy’s wrist. Additionally, he reportedly swallowed numerous fentanyl pills. Eventually, he was taken into custody, but not before purging his stomach of the drugs. While being transported to jail, Macinnis became increasingly incoherent and drowsy, leading to the administration of NarCan by jail medical staff. He was then taken to the hospital for further treatment.
After being released from the hospital, Macinnis was charged with nine felonies, including aggravated assault on law enforcement, as well as charges related to forgery and fraud.
Increasing Incidents of Squatting
Squatter incidents have become more prevalent in recent years, both in the United States and around the world. Typically, squatters target homes where the rightful owners are absent for extended periods, such as vacation homes or rentals. Properties owned by deceased individuals have also been subject to squatting.
In a similar case last year, alleged squatters were arrested in Tulsa, Oklahoma, after moving into a house where both the homeowner and tenant had recently passed away. In another disturbing incident in Las Vegas in 2021, police discovered the remains of an elderly female homeowner in a shallow grave on her private property. Squatters had reportedly found the woman’s body, dismembered it, buried her, and continued living in the home.
