A mother and her son were found in a mummified state in an apartment in Brooklyn on Wednesday afternoon. The discovery was made after residents of the building reported a disturbing odor permeating the premises for several days, according to local authorities and sources. The deceased, an 80-year-old woman and her 52-year-old son, were found by police officers who had been dispatched to the building located at the intersection of Jay Street and Tillary Street in Downtown Brooklyn for a wellness check shortly before 1 p.m., as per the New York Police Department.
The two individuals, who have not been identified, were found unresponsive and lying face-up. Their bodies appeared to have undergone mummification, sources reported. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel pronounced them dead at the scene, as confirmed by authorities.
The bodies were removed from the apartment by 7:35 p.m., as observed by local media. A police officer leaving the building described the smell emanating from the apartment as “nasty,” adding that it was detectable as soon as one exited the elevator.
The son, who lived in close proximity but not with his mother, was known to visit her regularly, according to the building’s doorman, who chose to remain anonymous. The doorman noted that he had not seen the son for approximately two to three weeks. A neighbor living across the hall from the apartment where the bodies were discovered mentioned that the smell of decomposition had been noticeable “for days.”
The neighbor, who also requested anonymity, recalled that the odor would intensify intermittently, prompting maintenance staff to use air fresheners. Initially, the neighbor assumed the smell was emanating from the trash outside, but it progressively worsened.
The cause of death for the mother and son will be determined by the city medical examiner, as stated by the police. Authorities have noted that there were no visible signs of trauma on the bodies, and no criminal activity is suspected at this time.