A shocking case out of Springfield, Illinois has left neighbors horrified after police say an elderly woman’s body was discovered “mummified” inside her own home more than three years after her death.
Authorities say the woman’s caretaker allegedly hid the death the entire time while continuing to profit from the victim’s bank account.
According to investigators, 86-year-old Lillie Prindle was discovered dead during a wellness check on Nov. 6, 2025, after concerned family members asked police to investigate.
When officers entered the home, they found a horrifying scene.
Police said Prindle’s body was sitting in a chair inside the living room, wrapped in blankets and in what investigators described as a “mummified” condition.
Officials later confirmed her remains were in an advanced state of decomposition.
Authorities said there were no immediate signs of trauma or injury.
Investigators later questioned Gena English-Wheat, 59, who reportedly acted as both Prindle’s caretaker and next-door neighbor.
According to court documents, English-Wheat allegedly admitted that Prindle had actually died back in August 2022 — more than three years before police discovered her body.
Investigators say English-Wheat told police she found Prindle dead in the chair, covered the body with blankets, and then simply walked away without telling anyone.
“She did not want anyone to know,” investigators wrote in the probable cause statement.
Neighbors reportedly told police they used to see English-Wheat regularly going in and out of Prindle’s home and taking out the trash, but claimed she later stopped appearing at the residence.
Some neighbors also said English-Wheat allegedly told people Prindle had moved in with relatives.
Police say the caretaker continued paying the elderly woman’s bills and even used her debit card after her death to make the home appear occupied.
Investigators claim English-Wheat made ATM withdrawals and continued using accounts tied to Prindle for years.
Authorities estimate she received roughly $130,000 while allegedly concealing the death.
Court documents reportedly stated that English-Wheat admitted the actions were done to continue financially benefiting from Prindle’s accounts.
Despite the disturbing allegations, English-Wheat has only been charged so far with concealment of a death.
Officials said theft charges have not yet been filed.
Investigators also noted that English-Wheat reportedly has multiple previous arrests and prior theft convictions.
After initially being released from custody, authorities say she later failed to appear in court and is now wanted again after missing a scheduled hearing.
As of the latest reports, Prindle’s death remains under investigation.