Cocoa, Florida was the location of a grisly discovery as authorities found an 80-year-old woman who had. been dead for weeks during a New Year’s welfare check. The friends and family of Kathleen Ruhlander hadn’t heard from the woman in a while and attempts to speak with her were fielded by her son Robert Ruhlander (53).
Florida Woman Discovered Deceased for Weeks as Son Hid Her Death to Continue Collecting Benefit Checks
Kathleen Ruhlander’s granddaughter reported not being allowed to see her at all. Another relative was told that Kathleen was napping. Eventually, questions will be asked when no contact can be made—especially if it’s unusual not to hear from that person.
According to the Cocoa PD, there were several welfare checks on January 1, 2023, but they kept running into no response or Robert Ruhlander who wouldn’t let them in. In speaking with one neighbor familiar with Kathleen’s routine, they found that her breathing machine hadn’t made any beeping noises in at least a week. Also noted was that the woman’s front door was closed for a long time when it was often open.
Acting on the family’s concerns and the neighbor’s belief that Kathleen Ruhlander was deceased, the Cocoa PD was able to enter thanks to Ruhlander having an active warrant. He has been arrested ok that warrant and taken in for processing. Robert Ruhlander was about to get a very severe charge as authorities discovered Kathleen Ruhlander’s remains in her bed. She had been dead for some time and was still in her waste.
The Cocoa Police Department charged Ruhlander with neglect of an elderly person and failure to report a death.
