Retired detective found dead under ‘mountains’ of trash in her home 7 months after she went missing, police say

GLASTONBURY, Conn. – A retired police detective who was reported missing seven months ago has been found dead in her Connecticut home, concealed beneath what authorities have described as “mountains” of trash and debris. The grim discovery concludes a lengthy search that was significantly hampered by extreme hoarding conditions within the residence.

The retired detective, identified as 73-year-old Mary Notarangelo, was the subject of a welfare check initiated by a friend on July 3 of last year. The friend reportedly last had contact with Notarangelo on June 12, when she complained of illness.

Responding officers were met with a scene of overwhelming squalor that made an immediate and thorough search of the home impossible. According to the Glastonbury Police Department, the sheer volume of accumulated belongings, garbage, and other debris created a hazardous and impassable environment for first responders.

Over the subsequent months, authorities made several attempts to locate Notarangelo, including the deployment of a drone. However, the cluttered conditions within the home repeatedly thwarted their efforts.

Finally, in February, a specialized crew was brought in with heavy equipment to begin the arduous process of clearing the residence. It was during this operation that Notarangelo’s remains were discovered. An official cause of death has not been determined by the state medical examiner, a task complicated by the period of time that had elapsed since her passing.

Neighbors described Notarangelo as a private individual, and it is believed she lived alone. The case has highlighted the often-hidden issue of compulsive hoarding and the challenges it can pose for emergency services and community members.

Police have stated that there are no initial signs of foul play, though the investigation remains ongoing pending the final report from the medical examiner’s office.