In a shocking case that has gripped Pennsylvania, a couple faces serious charges nearly a year after authorities stumbled upon the decomposing remains of a family member in their residence. The disturbing discovery has led to accusations of theft, conspiracy, and corpse abuse against James Bebout, aged 69, and his wife, Debbie Bebout, 64.

The charges emerged after police alleged that the couple lived with the body of James Bebout’s brother, Michael Bebout, 64, for an extended period without notifying authorities of his death. This grim situation came to light last January when James reported the unsettling find to the police, describing his brother as “stiff as a board” when he attempted to bring him breakfast.

According to a criminal complaint accessed by WPXI, a local NBC affiliate, officers arriving at the scene were confronted by an unsettling sight: the skeletal remains of Michael Bebout resting on a bed. The conditions of the home drew a visceral reaction from Greene Washington Regional Police Chief, Will DeForte, who described it as a “house of horror.”

Chief DeForte, reflecting on his extensive 35-year career in law enforcement, remarked to WPXI that the situation ranked among the most appalling he had ever encountered. “There was wall-to-wall dog feces,” he recounted, adding that the environment resembled that of a hoarder’s dwelling, with a pervasive, unbearable stench.

Investigations suggest that Michael Bebout likely passed away from natural causes during the summer of 2024, a full six months before his body was discovered. During this time, it’s claimed that James and Debbie Bebout continued to cash Michael’s Social Security checks, despite his death, which remained hidden within their home.

DeForte told WPXI the Bebouts had deposited around $20,000 into their bank accounts, all funds that were intended for Michael Bebout. Lt. Nathan Ferree told local ABC affiliate WTAE that Debbie Bebout “actually pretended to take care of him while the brother didn’t know it for a while.”

Arrest warrants were issued for the Bebouts, who are believed to be in Pennsylvania’s Washington County. They both face charges of theft, conspiracy, and abuse of a corpse. Police do not suspect foul play in connection with Michael Bebout’s death.