Missing Retired Detective Found in Hoarding Home After Seven Months

Missing Retired Detective Found in Hoarding Home After Seven Months

A retired police detective’s skeletal remains were unearthed in her rural Connecticut home filled with piles of hoarded trash, seven months after she was reported missing. The grim discovery occurred in February when environmental services crews arrived to clear the clutter that had overtaken the home of 73-year-old Mary Notarangelo.

The Glastonbury Police Department reported that Notarangelo was last heard from on June 12, 2024. She had texted a friend expressing her distress, stating she suffered from abdominal cramps, vomiting, and had fallen. Approximately three weeks later, concerned for her well-being, the friend contacted authorities to request a welfare check.

Challenging Circumstances Surrounding the Discovery

On February 24, the environmental team began the daunting task of removing what described as “mountains” of garbage from Notarangelo’s property. As workers employed a small excavator to clear debris from in front of her door, they stumbled upon her skeletal remains.

Authorities have not clarified the reason for the delay in discovering Notarangelo’s remains. However, officials indicated that the severe hoarding conditions presented significant challenges. Glastonbury police noted it was among the worst environments they had encountered, further complicating the search efforts.

Decomposing Foulness and Animal Conditions

Upon entering the property, authorities reported discovering cages housing dead birds, along with a live cat and mice scurrying throughout the home, which emitted a strong, unpleasant odor. Officer Anthony Longo remarked on the overwhelming scene inside, stating, “Once inside, I observed more mountains of garbage, cobwebs and spiders. There was no path whatsoever. The only way to move from room to room was by climbing over the garbage.”

Search Efforts Hampered by Hoarding

Local authorities made their first search of Notarangelo’s home on July 3, 2024. Unfortunately, their efforts were futile as they could not locate her amid the dense clutter of hoarding. A drone was even deployed into the house, but it became entangled in cobwebs and rendered useless, according to police reports. Additional searches occurred on July 5, July 11, July 12, and November 20, with not a single trace of Notarangelo being found.

A Friend’s Heartfelt Remembrance

Patti Steeves, a friend of Notarangelo and a former civilian employee with the Bridgeport Police Department, expressed heartbreak over the situation. “It’s so upsetting and so sad. She, as quirky as she was, was a good person at heart,” Steeves commented, reflecting on her friend’s character.

A Life of Dedication and Challenges

Steeves shared that she had previously attempted to discuss Notarangelo’s hoarding tendencies with her, but the retired detective often resisted such conversations. Notarangelo, an avid bird enthusiast, owned about 20 birds, alongside a cat and dog, creating a chaotic yet beloved home environment.

Notarangelo dedicated a significant portion of her life to law enforcement, serving with the Bridgeport police from 1985 to 1996. During her tenure, she received a promotion to detective in 1992, followed by a rise to sergeant a year later. Unfortunately, she retired due to disability following an on-duty car accident, as mentioned by Steeves.

Autopsy Results Remain Inconclusive

The cause of Notarangelo’s death could not be determined due to the condition of her remains, according to the state medical examiner’s office. While her skeletal remains suggest a tragic outcome, the specifics remain unclear.

Final Reflections on a Tragic Discovery

The Glastonbury Police Department did not provide immediate comment on the case to news outlets. This heartbreaking story illuminates the struggles faced by many individuals dealing with hoarding, compounded by the effects of social isolation and health problems.

In a world where people are often disconnected, the case of Mary Notarangelo serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of community connections and timely welfare checks, highlighting the potential consequences of neglect and isolation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.