Recent reports indicate that a former doctor lived in her home with the remains of her 600-pound son, whose body had essentially become mummified.
Authorities were alerted about the situation at Barbara Haynesworth’s residence in New Orleans, where her medical license was revoked a decade ago due to repeated complaints from neighbors regarding unpleasant odors and infestations.
Upon entering, officers discovered an appalling scene that prominently featured the body of a mummy.
“That’s my son,” she reportedly said to police about the remains identified as her 31-year-old son, Charles Haynesworth. “He passed away about nine months ago.”
The cause of death remains under investigation. Sources indicate that Charles weighed approximately 600 pounds at the time of his death.
In addition to the mummified body, officers encountered piles of trash, chicken droppings, and a hole in the floor, noting that the home was teeming with flies and other pests.
Reportedly, Barbara was described as “an elderly woman with a mental disorder,” according to statements made about her property.
The property has quickly been labeled a health hazard by code enforcement officials.
“The investigation conducted by the Code Enforcement Bureau uncovered atrocious conditions, including signs of multiple mummified male bodies, severe hoarding, and heaps of garbage inside and outside the property,” the city of New Orleans stated.
The statement went on to say that the New Orleans Police Department had planned to board up the property.
On May 6, just a day before the city noted the dire conditions of the residence, Haynesworth was fined $6,125, with the property declared a public nuisance.
A neighbor, who chose to remain anonymous, mentioned recognizing Barbara and Charles as mother and son. “She used to walk around the neighborhood pushing a stroller,” the neighbor recounted. “But then she’d return with it filled with junk and trash. Honestly, she seemed to scavenge through people’s alleys.”
Barbara was subsequently taken to a local hospital for evaluation after the grim discovery.
