WESTWOOD, NJ – A New Jersey man was arrested and charged with desecrating human remains after hiding his deceased sister’s body inside his Westwood home for a ‘prolonged period’, according to police.
Mark Winters was visited by police at his 25 Kennedy Terrace home for a wellness check on his sister when officers discovered her remains inside the residence.
Westwood Police Chief Jason Love said Winters became confrontational with officers conducting a wellness check on the missing woman.
“While inside the residence, officers located the deceased remains of Joan Winters, 70, who resided there with her brother, Mark Winters, Love said in a statement today. “After the discovery of her remains, Winters became confrontational with the officers and subsequently assaulted them.”
The Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit conducted an investigation and said Winters concealed his sister’s remains for a prolonged period inside the residence.
An autopsy was conducted on February 14, 2023, and although the cause and manner of death are pending toxicological testing results, according to a preliminary investigation, the death does not appear to be suspicious.
Editor’s note: Article updated for editing clarity.