South Carolina man lived with bodies of mom, aunt for years to collect benefits, deputies say

                                                                   Image Courtesy Pixabay/20515

A York County man concealed the death of his mother and aunt for years to collect their government benefits, the York County Sheriff's Office announced Friday.

Thomas Gardner, Jr., was found dead from a self inflicted gunshot inside 331 Griggs Road on July 31, according to the York County's Sheriff Office.They said the bodies of two women were also discovered inside the houseThe women were later identified as Thomas Gardner's mother, 69-year-old Susan Gardner, and her sister, 77-year-old Ruth Allred.

Officials said Thomas Gardner died by suicide days before the bodies were found and left a note with details about the women.

According to the note left by Thomas Gardner, his mother died in November 2015 and his aunt, Allred, died approximately six months later.

He also said in the letter that he was afraid that he would be blamed for the two women's deaths, and that was the reason he never notified authorities.

Investigators confirmed the condition of the remains matched up with the time frame given by Thomas Gardner.

After the autopsies, Allred's cause of death was confirmed as probable atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and Susan Garner's cause of death was undetermined.

Detectives said there is no indication of foul play in the deaths of Allred or Susan Gardner, but they believe Thomas Gardner wrapped the bodies and left them in a room for years.

A relative said she was concerned about the family and had asked deputies to check on the house before. They did, but no one ever came to the door.

Deputies said they went to the house to assist Adult Protective Services four times before finding their bodies -- June 28, July 5, July 16, and July 31.

A neighbor who has lived next door for 10 years said she had only seen Thomas Gardner outside cutting grass. She said she hadn't seen the two women in years.

Investigators said this case is closed and no charges will be filed.

Police said they believe he didn't report the deaths to continue to collect their government benefits.