In Vernon Hills, Illinois, authorities have announced that no charges will be filed following the discovery of an 81-year-old woman’s decomposed body at her home, which prompted a SWAT team response on Friday.
Police identified the deceased as Mary Barry, who resided on the 500 block of Saddlebrook Lane. Concerns were raised after Barry had not been in contact with anyone for several weeks. She shared the home with her 50-year-old son, who has disabilities.
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Officers, accompanied by a social services clinician, initially arrived at the residence around 10:15 a.m. on Friday for a welfare check.
Upon arrival, they briefly conversed with Barry’s son, who subsequently closed the door and barricaded himself inside. Officers detected a strong odor consistent with decomposition, leading them to call for additional support.
SWAT officers were dispatched and managed to secure the scene. Inside the home, they discovered Barry’s body lying on the bedroom floor.
Using a specialized drone, authorities later located Barry’s son. He was detained and transported to a local hospital for evaluation.
Police said preliminary autopsy results suggest that Barry died of natural causes. The investigation found that the last known contact with Barry happened over a month ago.
Investigators believe that Barry’s son, who is not being identified by police, did not realize that his mother had died due to a medical condition. He is receiving hospital treatment, and no criminal charges are expected.
The home has been turned over to Barry’s family.
No further information was available.
The video in the player above is from a previous report.
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