Background: News footage of the home in South Londonderry Township, Pa., where Sharlene Mikula was found dead on April 14 (WGAL). Inset: Michael Mikula (Lebanon County District Attorney”s Office).
Michael Mikula, 68, is charged with several offenses, including abuse of a corpse, neglect of a dependent person, reckless endangerment, and evidence tampering. These charges follow the discovery of his wife, 66-year-old Sharlene Mikula, deceased in their residence in South Londonderry Township, Pennsylvania. According to a report from the Lebanon County District Attorney, shared by local NBC affiliate WGAL, Michael Mikula was aware of his wife’s death and allegedly took steps to hide the fact.
The district attorney’s office revealed that Michael Mikula cohabitated with his wife’s deceased body for “at least one month.” This grim situation came to light on April 14 during a wellness check requested by Sharlene’s family. Upon arrival, police were initially informed by Michael that his wife was not at home. However, after gaining entry, officers discovered Sharlene Mikula’s body in an advanced state of decomposition.
In a probable cause affidavit obtained by WGAL, Michael Mikula reportedly told investigators that his wife had “been gone for a long time.” He mentioned she had lost her appetite in the weeks before her death, and he made efforts to ensure she ate at least one meal daily. Michael recounted finding his wife deceased one day, noting that he only noticed significant decomposition about a week before the police visit.
Family members of Sharlene Mikula informed authorities about her struggles with multiple mental health issues. She had been hospitalized for 51 days at a behavioral health center in May 2025. Hospital records indicated that Sharlene had lost over 100 pounds within a year, underscoring her fragile health condition.
Sharlene Mikula’s family told police that she had suffered from several mental health disorders and was hospitalized for 51 days at a behavioral health center in May 2025. Police said the hospital’s records of her health indicated that Sharlene Mikula lost more than 100 pounds over the course of a year.
WGAL reported that the Mikulas’ home was sold by the sheriff’s office the same day Sharlene Mikula’s body was found. A neighbor told the outlet that the new owner noticed a foul odor in the house.
Michael Mikula was arrested and booked into the Lebanon County Correctional Facility. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 23.
