A woman accused of hiding her elderly mother's corpse for seven months in the family's North Carolina home asked Thursday for a court-appointed defense attorney.
Amy Stewart made her first court appearance before a district court judge in Wilmington.
via www.ktla.com
This is an update on the Blanche Matilda Roth story we posted 16 WED 2009.
Initially, it was believed Blanche Roth had been deceased for eight months, prior to her body's discovery. The latest report states seven months.
Although Ms. Roth's death was reported to be ``suspicious," Amy Stewart has only been charged with hiding a corpse. This is not surprising. Building a neglect case is difficult, and it takes time. There also has to be forensic evidence supporting neglect, and interviews with family, friends, other observers (such as delivery people) must collaborate a charge of neglect.
I would wager that while Amy Stewart is in custody, authorities will investigate her affairs thoroughly to determine whether the authorities might have the honor of entertaining Ms. Stewart for an extended visit on another unrelated issue. ;)
Amy Blanche Stewart, KTLA-TV, Los Angeles
