Police in Arizona discovered a mummified body in a bathtub while investigating a reported burglary-in-progress at the home.
The Bullhead City Police Department had been called to the scene at approximately 3:30 a.m. on September 10.
Christine Lee Walters, 65, was found inside the residence and there were pry marks on the door indicating a forced entry, according to a press release from the police department.
“Police learned that Walters had also been to the residence on September 8 and removed purses, bags and clothing of the victim to attempt to sell online,” the department said in a statement, which was posted to Facebook.
While searching the home, officers found a woman that they believe to be the homeowner, deceased in the bathtub.
The identity of the deceased has not been made public, but it is believed to be a woman, approximately 60 years old, who was living at the home on the 100 block of Palm Avenue in Bullhead City.
According to a report from NBC News, neighbors told police that they had not seen the homeowner in roughly a year — but did not report her missing because they had just assumed that she moved.
“The deceased body was in a mummified state and is believed to be the homeowner. It is unknown how long the body had been in the house,” the statement continued.
It is unknown how long ago the woman died or if she had any relation or connection to Walters.
The medical examiner’s office does not suspect foul play or criminal activity in her death.
Detectives served a search warrant at Walters’ residence and vehicle and found items that are believed to belong to the deceased woman, including a birth certificate, IRS paperwork, a driver’s license, and credit cards. They also located drug paraphernalia and what they referred to as a “useable amount of methamphetamine.”
Walters has been charged with two counts of burglary and has been booked at the Mohave County Jail in Kingman.
The department said that the detectives have requested additional charges on Walters for theft of credit cards, possession of dangerous drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
