Janet Wilson, a 53-year-old woman from Manchester County, New Jersey, recently pleaded not guilty to the charges of aggravated manslaughter, desecrating human remains, and neglect of a disabled adult in light of the death of her disabled adult daughter.
The decomposed remains of Rebecca Wilson, 32, were found in her trailer park home where she lived with her mother on May 30. Neighbors contacted police about a strong, strange smell coming from the home, and when they busted in, they found the remains of Rebecca and their family dog.
Police immediately began to seek out Janet, who was found in Reno, Nevada and arrested on June 20. According to 6 ABC>, Janet did not report her daughter’s death and not only was still receiving her disability checks, but even transferred $600 of her daughter’s money into her own account.
Soon after the police searched the mobile home and found the remains, they declared it uninhabitable.
NJ.com reports that neighbors of Rebecca were very fond of her and were saddened by her death.
“"She was a happy young lady. When we had parties Janet would bring her to the parties, and she loved to dance even though she was in a wheelchair," said Ele Hayes, one of the Wilson’s neighbors. "She didn't deserve this."
Janet claims she moved into a motel with her husband and son weeks before Rebecca’s death, so prosecutors are still unaware if she knew about. They have not yet determined a cause of death either.