76-year-old N.J. man accused of living with dead sister’s remains for ‘prolonged period of time’

WESTWOOD, N.J. (TCD) — A 76-year-old man faces charges for allegedly living with his dead 70-year-old sister’s remains inside his home.

According to the Bergen County Prosecutor’s Office, on Monday, Feb. 13, at around 1 p.m., Westwood Police officers responded to 25 Kennedy Terrace to perform a welfare check and were met by Mark Winters, who escorted them inside. While searching the home, officers reportedly found Joan Winters’ remains, and Mark Winters “became confrontational with the officers and subsequently assaulted them.”

The Prosecutor’s Office said Joan Winters had lived with her brother inside the Kennedy Terrace home.

Upon further investigation, the Prosecutor’s Office said Mark Winters “concealed his sister’s remains for a prolonged period of time in the residence.”

At this time, investigators reportedly do not believe Joan Winters’ death was suspicious in nature, but autopsy results are pending.

As a result of the investigation, the Prosecutor’s Office said Mark Winters was charged with second-degree desecration of human remains and two counts of fourth-degree aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer. He was reportedly booked into the Bergen County Jail.