Death Investigation in Glenaire concludes

An investigation has determined that three people found dead in a home in Glenaire on July 21, died from natural causes. 

Deputies conducted a welfare check about 1 p.m. July 21 at the home in the 400 block of Wherritt Lane, Glenaire, after a neighbor reported not seeing one of the residents for some time.  Deputies located 66-year-old Roger Wilfong, his 67-year-old sister Mary Wilfong, and their 99-year-old mother Virginia King, deceased inside. They also found a deceased dog. 

The house was secure, and deputies had to force entry. All three deceased family members were located seated in the living room and appeared to have been there for some time. 

Investigation determined that Roger Wilfong was the caretaker for his mother and sister. They both had extensive health issues and could not move about the home without his assistance. An autopsy determined Roger Wilfong died from choking on food, most likely on June 21. Autopsy results stated Mary Wilfong and Virginia King died from undetermined causes, but there was no evidence of foul play or drugs or alcohol. 

Detectives’ investigation revealed that without Roger Wilfong’s care, Mary Wilfong and Virginia King were unable to access the food, water, medication and sanitation they needed, which could have contributed to their deaths. Investigators also determined the air-conditioning may not have been working. The temperatures in the month between when Roger Wilfong died on June 21 and when the bodies were discovered on July 21 were well into the 90s on multiple occasions, which also could have contributed to the deaths of Mary Wilfong and Virginia King. 

The veterinarian who conducted a necropsy on the dog stated the animal was too decomposed to determine the cause of death. Investigators found food in the home for the dog but no water. The dog was located deceased next to a bathroom toilet. 

Investigators have determined there was no foul play in the unfortunate deaths, and the case is closed. 

KPGZ News - Jim Dickerson contributed to this story