The sheriff revealed that a man in Salem had been staying with his dead wife for several years
Sheriff McLaughlin’s investigation into Robert Rea’s death took a peculiar turn. Notified by Rea’s son, they found another body in the family RV: Peggy, deceased for six years. The devout Quaker couple’s unusual situation prompts an ongoing inquiry for potential charges.
Columbiana County Sheriff Brian McLaughlin’s investigation into the death of Robert Rea at Nettle Creek Farm & Nursery revealed a shocking twist. Robert’s son disclosed another body, that a man staying with his dead wife for six years. The well-preserved scene, coupled with the revelation of Robert living with Peggy’s body for six years, raised questions. The couple’s religious beliefs added complexity, as authorities awaited results from the ongoing investigation to decide on potential charges.
Table of Contents
1. Unusual Investigation Unfolds in Salem Township
When Sheriff Brian McLaughlin responded to a call about the death of Robert Rea in Salem Township, the circumstances took a bizarre turn, revealing a situation beyond the ordinary.
Discovery at Nettle Creek Farm & Nursery
On January 2, the sheriff was notified of the death of 70-year-old Robert Rea, owner of Nettle Creek Farm & Nursery. However, what awaited the sheriff was more than just a routine investigation.
2. Shocking Revelation: Deceased Wife Found in Family RV
The investigation took an unexpected twist when Robert Rea’s son informed the Sheriff’s Department about another body inside the family RV.
Search and Discovery
Upon arriving at the farm, officers couldn’t reach anyone in the residence. A search of the 40-acre farm led Sheriff McLaughlin and another officer to a camper behind a barn, where they discovered the body of Robert Rea’s deceased wife, Peggy.
3. Disturbing Details Emerge: Six Years of Coexistence
As the investigation unfolded, John Rea, the couple’s son, revealed unsettling details. His father, Robert, had passed away on December 31, and he had been living with Peggy’s body inside the trailer. Shockingly, Peggy had died six years prior, in 2017.
Unusual Preservation and Herb Surroundings
The police report described a peculiar scene inside the camper. Peggy Rea’s well-preserved body was surrounded by herbs, and wrapped in a blanket. Sheriff McLaughlin, with over three decades of experience, expressed the unprecedented nature of the discovery.
4. Quirks of the Religious Lifestyle
John Rea informed officers that his parents were devout Quakers, a religious lifestyle emphasizing simplicity and integrity. According to the report, they wished to be buried simultaneously.
Cause of Death Investigation
While Robert’s death appeared to be from natural causes, the sheriff’s department involved the Columbiana County Coroner’s Department. Both bodies were sent to the Cuyahoga County Medical Examiners for the cause of death determination and dating Peggy’s demise.
5. Ongoing Investigation and Potential Legal Ramifications
The Sheriff’s Department, still delving into the case, awaits further details. The question of potential charges remains unanswered as the investigation continues.
The unfolding events at Nettle Creek Farm & Nursery present a perplexing case, blending natural death, an unusual coexistence, and religious considerations. As authorities delve deeper, the community awaits a clearer understanding of the circumstances and the potential legal outcomes.
