Woman Accused Of Burying Her Mother’s Corpse In Backyard To Conceal Her Death

Police discovered the remains of 67-year-old Miriam Lynn Lockhart in the backyard of her home. The discovery took place after emergency services arrived to help Miriam’s injured daughter. It was later revealed that 43-year-old Melissa Lockhart had buried her mother’s body in the shallow grave. She has been charged for concealing a death.

A home in Richmond County, Georgia had a heavy police presence on Thursday, June 3. Around 4:25 p.m. a 911 call was made from the home in 1700 block of Tobacco Road. Emergency Medical Services, Richmond County Fire and the Richmond County Sheriff's Office responded to the emergency call, WFXG reported.

At the residence, Melissa was found with an injury to her leg. After on-spot treatment, she was transported to Augusta University Medical Center for further treatment for her broken knee. Deputies discovered what appeared to be a freshly dug grave in the backyard of the property. They had received word of possible death at the residence.

Upon digging the suspicious spot, the deputies discovered the shallow grave in which the former real estate agent had been buried.

The police questioned Melissa following the discovery. According to New York Times, she confessed to having buried her mother’s corpse. She told the police that either on May 31 or June 1 she found Miriam dead in her bed. Not wanting her mother’s body to be “cut-up” in an autopsy, she decided to take care of the remains herself. Digging the shallow grave, she put her mother’s body to rest without informing anyone.

Melissa has been charged with concealing a death. She remains in police custody and is yet to submit a plea. She did not get her wish of having her mother’s body remain untampered. Miriam’s body has been sent for post mortem examination to determine the cause of her death. Police have not indicated if they suspect foul play.

Speaking about Miriam, her former employer Jeff Keller said that she had a very likable personality and was good with people. Speaking to WRWD, Keller said that his former employee had worked with them for two or three years. He revealed that her health was on the decline. Due to her declining health, she went from a full-time employee to a part-time role till she had to quit.

Investigation into the death continues.