A deeply disturbing case from Lakewood has come to light, where a man admitted to keeping a dead body in his home for more than a year to continue using the victim’s money. The incident has shocked many due to its unusual and troubling nature.
Case Overview
A 56-year-old man, James David Agnew, has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to:
- Tampering with a deceased body
- Identity theft
The case involved the body of James O’Neill, a 62-year-old man who had been living with the accused and his wife.
Sentence and Legal Outcome
According to court records, Agnew received:
- Five years in prison for each charge
- Both sentences will run at the same time
This means he will likely serve a little over four years, especially after credit for time already spent in custody.
In return for his guilty plea, several other serious charges against him were dropped.
What Actually Happened
Investigators believe that O’Neill died in December 2023, possibly due to health issues or drug use. Authorities do not suspect that he was murdered.
However, instead of reporting his death, the couple allegedly:
- Kept his body inside their home for about 18 months
- Continued using his Social Security income
- Used his debit card for personal expenses
Police estimate that around $17,000 was spent during this period.
How the Case Was Discovered
The case came to light after O’Neill’s family grew concerned. His brother had not seen or spoken to him for years and asked police to check on him.
When officers visited the house:
- A man answered the door pretending to be O’Neill
- The family later confirmed it was not him
- The couple refused to allow police inside
This raised serious suspicion.
Investigation and Evidence
Authorities continued their investigation and found:
- Surveillance footage showing Agnew using O’Neill’s debit card
- Inconsistent statements from the couple
- Refusal to allow direct contact with O’Neill
Eventually, police obtained a search warrant.
Before the search even began, Agnew’s wife admitted that O’Neill’s body was inside the home.
Shocking Details from the Home
During questioning, Agnew’s wife, Suzanne Ruth Agnew, shared disturbing details:
- The three had lived together for years in a close relationship
- After O’Neill’s death, they did not report it
- She attempted to cover the body to prevent pets from disturbing it
She admitted that what they did was wrong.
Current Status of the Wife
Suzanne Agnew has pleaded not guilty and is still facing charges. Her case is ongoing, and she is expected to appear in court soon.
Key Issues Highlighted
This case raises several serious concerns:
- Financial fraud involving deceased individuals
- Ethical and legal responsibilities after a person’s death
- The importance of reporting deaths immediately
It also shows how suspicious behaviour can eventually lead to discovery.
