The authorities of Santa Cruz de Tenerife were startled when they discovered the lifeless body of a 90-year-old woman who had passed six months ago in her residence. The woman’s son, aged 65, has been taken into custody for allegedly concealing the body until just recently. The alarm was raised by neighbours who noticed the woman’s prolonged absence and the unpleasant smell emanating from the house.
Reports from the National Police, who have now assumed control of the investigation, reveal that the body was preserved and displayed no apparent signs of foul play.
Neighbours contacted the Local Police at 9:40 p.m. last Thursday, expressing concerns about the strong odour and the absence of the woman, who resided with her son. When they inquired about her whereabouts, the son claimed she was bedridden, according to sources close to the investigation.
Upon arrival at the residence, the man answered the door and assured the police that his mother was well, just sleeping.
The law enforcement officers observed a state of neglect inside the house, with visible waste, confirming the overpowering stench previously reported by neighbours.
Persisting in their request to check on the mother, the officers followed the man to a bedroom, where under blankets lay the deceased woman surrounded by bags of lime.
The son stated that his mother passed away around five months ago but did not disclose the circumstances.
Preliminary forensic findings suggest the woman passed away approximately six months ago, though the exact cause remains undetermined, authorities from the Local Police report.
Following the arrival of health and forensic services at the scene, the son was subsequently transferred to a medical facility and then to the psychiatric unit at La Candelaria Hospital.
