On Saturday, August 15, at 3:30 pm, Marple Police were dispatched to a home in the 2000 block of West Chester Pike to check the well-being of a 67-year-old resident. Officers responded and found that the mail hadn’t been retrieved for several days and that the resident’s vehicle was parked in the driveway. The home was secured, and officers were unable to make contact with the resident or enter to verify their status. There were no known relatives in the area, and officers could not locate anyone with a key to the home.

Police, with the assistance of Broomall Fire Company, forced entry into the house. Unfortunately, they soon discovered the lone female resident was deceased inside the home.

Once inside, officers also discovered several dogs and cats and determined that all were malnourished. Officers and firefighters began removing the animals from the home and securing them until they could be turned over to two animal rescue organizations.

The Delaware County Office of the Medical Examiner responded and will investigate the cause of death and also assist the police department in notifying any family of the decedent. Officers cleared the scene after several hours once the animals were safely removed and the home was secured.

Marple Police would like to thank all the organizations that responded to assist throughout the several hours spent at the home.