A Pennsylvania man has been charged with abuse of a corpse after allegedly living with his mother’s decomposing body for a period ranging from seven to ten days before notifying authorities of her death. Derrick Bouffard, 37, reportedly walked past his mother’s remains in their home multiple times as he continued to order food deliveries during that time.
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Cynthia Bouffard, 70, was discovered deceased in her residence on Hunter Court in Bensalem on 26 October 2025. Concerns regarding the property, including an overgrown garden and an unpleasant odour, prompted a police welfare check, according to reports from several local news outlets, including the Bucks County Courier Times and NBC10 Philadelphia.
Upon arriving at the home around 3 p.m., officers were met by Derrick Bouffard, who allegedly claimed, “I was just about to call you guys. My mum stopped breathing this morning.” However, authorities noted that Cynthia’s body was found in a state that suggested she had been deceased for quite some time, with an autopsy indicating that she had likely passed away at least a week before the police were called.
Inside the family residence, law enforcement discovered Cynthia’s remains lying on a mattress in the living room. Described as “skeleton-like,” her body reportedly displayed signs of extensive decomposition and was covered in insects. Officers indicated that there was “almost no flesh on her bones,” and her eyes were barely visible, reflecting the severity of the situation.
The interior of the property was described as chaotic, with a pervasive smell of decay. Investigators reported that multiple fans had been positioned throughout the house, and baking soda was scattered across surfaces, likely in an attempt to mask the odour emanating from the corpse.
Family members told investigators that Cynthia Bouffard had been suffering from advanced dementia, which had left her unable to walk or speak. Derrick had been serving as her primary caregiver, and during the period leading up to the grim discovery, he allegedly continued his daily routines without addressing her condition.
Police uncovered records showing that Derrick Bouffard was making online searches about how to report a death and information regarding notifying a bank. This led authorities to suspect that he was aware of the severity of his mother’s situation long before he alerted the police.
The Bucks County District Attorney’s Office reported that the medical examiner concluded that Cynthia Bouffard’s death was due to medical causes and specified that there was no evidence suggesting she had been deprived of food during her final days. This information could play a significant role in shaping the legal proceedings against her son.
Derrick Bouffard has been formally charged with abuse of a corpse and is scheduled for a preliminary court hearing on 8 April. As the investigation unfolds, the community and those close to the case have expressed shock and sadness over the tragic circumstances surrounding Cynthia Bouffard’s death.
Legal experts suggest that the case will raise important questions regarding caregiver responsibilities and the complex dynamics of family care in challenging health situations. The shocking details of the incident have drawn considerable media attention and continue to resonate with those who are following the story as more information emerges.
As the legal proceedings approach, it is likely that both Derrick and the circumstances that led to this unfortunate situation will come under scrutiny, leading to further discussions about the conditions surrounding elder care and mental health issues within families.