The discovery of skeletal remains in a foreclosed Connecticut home has cast a dark shadow over the validity of the property sale. The grim find, made by the new homeowner upon entering their recently acquired property in Burlington, has prompted an urgent investigation and raised questions about the legitimacy of the auction process.
According to officials, the medical examiner is still determining the cause of death and confirming identities, but there is currently no indication of suspicious circumstances or criminal involvement. The advanced state of decomposition suggests that the remains had been present for a considerable period – a detail highlighted in a court motion filed this week.
The property, purchased by a couple in 2019, was sold 'as is' at auction on June 6th as part of the foreclosure process, which began in August 2023. Grant Carragher, a Connecticut marshal, has stated that attempts to contact the previous owners were unsuccessful throughout the proceedings, leading him to believe the property had been abandoned for at least a year – a sentiment echoed by neighbours who reported not seeing the residents for several years.
The sale's validity is now under scrutiny, with Chris Thogmartin, an independent attorney appointed by the court, seeking direction on how to proceed. In his motion, he describes the discovery as a "disturbing mystery" that could potentially invalidate the foreclosure judgment itself, highlighting the need for a careful examination of the property's legal status.
The outcome may have significant implications for British buyers considering purchasing properties in the US, particularly those undergoing foreclosure auctions. If the sale is deemed invalid due to unforeseen circumstances, it raises questions about the transparency and accountability of international real estate transactions.