City set to clean house where decayed body found
Mar. 3—The property where a death investigation has been ongoing has been ordered to be cleaned up by the city.
On Wednesday, the Logansport Board of Public Works & Safety issued approval for cleanup of 910 22nd St. Logansport Police Department officers found the body of Cynthia Newman, 65, in a state of decay at her home on Friday, Jan. 29, after executing a search warrant.
This led to the arrests of her daughter, Jaclyn Martell Beebout, 41, and son-in-law, Jason Beebout, 44, on charges of failure to report human remains. The Beebouts also resided at the home with two children.
An investigation revealed the residence in disarray. According to officers, there were animal feces covering the floor with random items throughout the house, which essentially cleared paths for walking. Stains were all over the carpet, likely from animal urine and feces with white powder sprinkled over it.
Building Commissioner Wayne Erwin told the board back in February that an emergency condemnation hearing regarding the property was needed. The board agreed and declared the residence condemned.
Since then, Code Enforcement Officer Johnny Quinones issued findings that the property was in violation of city ordinances 2013-16 and 2013-19, which means the residents disregarded procedures for handling and disposing of garbage, yard waste, recyclables, trash and debris.
Crews will be working on the site to remove the various items strewn about.
Likewise, the board approved cleanup of 313 Humphrey St. Here, there has been a mattress and upholstered furniture left outside the house, along with trash and debris scattered over the lawn.
Two inspections revealed that no changes had been made, according to Quinones, who said the Humphrey Street residence was not a rental. The owner-occupants had opted not to remove the items from the property.
Fines and penalties could be attached to the properties for the cleanup services.
Reach Kristi Hileman at kristi.hileman@pharostribune.com or 574-732-5150
