In 2012, the Social Security Administration noticed Marie’s checks were still being cashed, but she hadn’t used Medicare since 1980. Theodore, now eligible for Social Security, had never applied.

Police visited Marie’s house and talked to her son, Charles. He claimed Marie was traveling with Theodore but couldn’t give details. He refused to let police search the property, which was incredibly messy and filled with trash. A neighbor hadn’t seen Marie or Theodore in years.

Marie’s daughter and son-in-law, Delores and Ronald Disher, gave conflicting stories. They initially said Marie and Theodore were traveling in a motorhome. They admitted to cashing Marie’s checks for her and said she signed them with an “X” because of a stroke. (Later, a bank employee revealed Marie couldn’t write because she was illiterate.)

A search of Marie’s home revealed $9,000 in cash and bone fragments (still being tested). The Dishers’ home had $8,000 and a scrapbook with letters supposedly written by Marie and Theodore.

Ronald threatened police and was arrested. While in jail, he allegedly confessed to killing Marie. Charles, who lived in squalor, claimed Marie was alive but hiding to avoid a nursing home. He was deemed not mentally fit to stand trial. Charges against Delores were dropped due to health issues. Ronald’s fraud charges ended in a mistrial.

Police believe Marie’s family stole over $175,000 of her Social Security money, and that Marie was either murdered or her death concealed. Theodore’s disappearance remains a complete mystery. The case remains unsolved.