New Homeowner Buys Foreclosed Texas House, Finds Body of Elderly Woman Inside Living Room
ADDISON, Texas — What was supposed to be an exciting day for a new homeowner turned into a nightmare when they discovered the body of a 69-year-old woman inside a home they had just purchased at a foreclosure auction.
According to WFAA and CNN Newsource, the shocking find occurred on Wednesday, one day after the property on Planters Row in the Homes of Addison Place community was sold at a Dallas County foreclosure auction.
Elderly Woman Found Dead Inside Foreclosed Home
The deceased woman has been identified as Pauline Williams, who had been listed as the former owner of the home before defaulting on her bank loan.
Police said the new owner arrived at the home to inspect it for the first time and immediately noticed signs of long-term neglect — an overgrown side yard, a stuffed mailbox, and uncollected debris. Inside, just a few feet from the front door, they found Williams’ body in the living room.
Neighbors were left heartbroken and questioning how the tragedy went unnoticed for so long.
“Very regrettable that I and my neighbors didn’t check on her,” said Gary McIntyre, who lives next door.
Another neighbor, Austin Mathews, said the discovery served as a sobering reminder of community responsibility.
“It reminds me to check on my neighbors a little bit more frequently and just try to be friendly,” he said. “You hope something like that never happens to you one day.”
How Long Was She There? Police Still Investigating
Authorities have not yet determined how long Williams had been dead or the circumstances surrounding her death.
Investigators are also reviewing how the foreclosure and property sale went forward without anyone realizing the homeowner had died.
“It’s not yet known how a foreclosure proceeded so quickly without someone physically checking the property or knocking on the door,” a WFAA report noted.
The Dallas County Medical Examiner’s Office is now working to determine when and how Williams died, while Addison police continue efforts to locate her next of kin.
County officials and the loan company responsible for the foreclosure have not commented on the case.
Community Expresses Regret and Reflection
Neighbors said Williams was quiet and mostly kept to herself but was always polite. Many expressed guilt over not noticing something was wrong sooner.
“It’s just regrettable that we weren’t being good neighbors,” McIntyre said.
The incident has sparked wider conversations in the Addison community about checking in on elderly neighbors who live alone — especially those struggling financially or socially isolated.
For now, police say the case remains an active investigation pending autopsy results.
For continuing updates on this story and other Texas community news, visit NapervilleLocal.com.
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