A Florida man has been arrested after authorities accused him of dumping his mother’s body in a river and using her money after her death.
Mother Reported Missing
According to investigators, 47-year-old Joshua Kuke Cullen reported his mother missing on May 25, claiming he had not seen her since March. He allegedly gave detectives several different explanations for her disappearance.
Body Found in River
Days later, deputies discovered human remains near the Peace River in Charlotte County. Authorities said the body was wrapped in blankets, rolled inside a rug, and weighed down with chains and cinder blocks.
The remains were later identified as Cullen’s mother.
Allegedly Used Mother’s Money
Investigators claim Cullen continued accessing and spending his mother’s money after her death, including making major purchases.
Authorities also recovered items they believe were used to dispose of the body and linked Cullen to the area through surveillance evidence.
Charges Filed
Cullen has been charged with neglect of an elderly person and abuse of a dead human body. Authorities believe his mother died inside the home and that he lived there with her body for a period of time before disposing of it.
He is being held in the Lee County Jail on a $50,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on July 6.
