A Wagoner County case unfolds with allegations of neglect, delayed reporting, and dozens of animals living in filth.
WAGONER, OK – A 38-year-old woman is facing multiple felony charges after investigators say her elderly mother was left dead and decomposing inside a home filled with animal waste and nearly two dozen dogs. The case, now moving through Wagoner County courts, details allegations of prolonged neglect, delayed reporting of death, and conditions officers described as overwhelming upon entry.
Shannon Solomon-Webb was arrested April 9 and charged with caretaker abuse, desecration of a human corpse, and cruelty to animals, according to court records. Authorities say the situation came to light only after her husband called 911 to report the death, but investigators believe the woman had been dead for an extended period.
Conditions inside the home raise alarms
Officers responding to the residence reported finding approximately 20 dogs living among feces and unsanitary conditions throughout the home. The victim’s body was located in plain view, raising immediate concerns about the delay in reporting her death.
“As soon as you enter the front door, all you have to do is, is look to your right,” Wagoner Police Department Lt. Det. Clarence Collins said. “There’s no way you can’t see her…There’s no way you can’t see this individual lying on the bed.”
According to an affidavit, Solomon-Webb told investigators she had reduced the amount of time she spent caring for her mother following an argument about moving to a care facility. The victim, who suffered from lupus and breathing difficulties, relied on her daughter and son-in-law for daily care.
When asked about their responsibilities, Solomon-Webb allegedly told investigators: “Yes that would be accurate we are her care givers.”
Investigators say the level of care did not match that responsibility. Collins described a setup in which food was left within reach but required preparation the victim may not have been capable of managing.
“They had placed a microwave on the bed, and they had placed…instant meals that you just had to put in the microwave, pot pies, stuff like that, and some water,” Collins said.
Decomposition timeline and ongoing investigation
Authorities have not confirmed an exact date of death. The medical examiner indicated the condition of the body suggested at least a week had passed, though Collins believes the timeline could extend much longer.
“Ms. Solomon was so decomposed that she was – it was like seeing the mummy from ancient, an ancient mummy,” Collins said. “Her skin and everything was so leathered. I don’t know how else to describe it other than she appeared to be an ancient mummy that didn’t have the wrapping.”
The dogs found inside the home remain classified as evidence as the department seeks legal authority to transfer custody and place them for adoption. Officials say the conditions made the case particularly difficult for responding officers.
“It’s pretty difficult,” Collins said. “We all have mothers that, we wouldn’t, we wouldn’t want treated in any type of way like that. I can’t imagine somebody treating their own mother that way.”
Solomon-Webb’s husband was also arrested, though his case may proceed separately due to his status as a member of the Cherokee Nation. Tribal authorities will determine whether charges are filed against him.
Solomon-Webb has since been released on bail and is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment on May 6.
Oklahoma caretaker abuse case, Wagoner County arrest, elderly neglect Oklahoma, animal cruelty case Oklahoma, desecration of a corpse charges
