Debbie and Jame Bebout are wanted after investigators say they lived with the decomposing body of Michael Bebout for months in their Pennsylvania home, police say. 

By Jillian Pikora From Daily Voice

A decomposed relative was found inside a Pennsylvania home nearly a year after he died, sparking criminal charges against a Washington County couple now wanted by police, investigators announced on Wednesday, Dec. 10.

James Edmond Bebout, 69, and his wife, Debbie J. Bebout, 64, are accused of living with the body of James’s brother, 64-year-old Michael Bebout, for six to seven months so they could continue cashing his monthly Social Security checks, according to Greene Washington Regional Police.

Officers first responded to the Hayes Avenue home on Thursday, Jan. 16, after James called 911 to report he believed his brother had died, police said. When officers entered the bedroom, they found only skeletal remains, according to court documents and statements to the press by police. Investigators later determined Michael had likely died at the start of the previous summer.

Lt. Nathan Ferree told Pittsburgh’s Action News 4 that Debbie pretended to care for Michael even after death, and the couple cashed at least six Social Security checks worth $1,200 each. Police Chief Will DeForte told Channel 11 the couple deposited more than $20,000 from Michael’s benefits while his body remained in the home, a case he described as a “house of horror.”

“In my 35 years of law enforcement, this was probably one of the most atrocious and horrific conditions we’ve ever found a decedent,” DeForte said in the report. He said investigators believe Michael died of natural causes.

Inside the home, police found wall-to-wall dog feces, hoarded items, and an overwhelming odor. Three family members had been living in the residence during the months the body remained inside, authorities said.

Both James and Debbie are charged in Washington County with Felony Theft by Unlawful Taking, Felony Criminal Conspiracy, and Misdemeanor Abuse of a Corpse, according to newly filed court dockets. James Bebout’s charges were filed on Dec. 9, 2025, and all offenses are listed as occurring on Jan. 16, 2025. Debbie Bebout faces identical charges filed the same day by the same agency, also tied to the Jan. 16 discovery date.

Court records show neither defendant has been fingerprinted yet, and preliminary hearings have not been scheduled, both cases are currently marked “inactive” while warrants remain outstanding, according to Magisterial District Court summaries.

Debbie Bebout’s criminal record also includes an older disorderly conduct case in Washington County, in which she pleaded guilty earlier this year after previously failing to appear, according to Court of Common Pleas filings. She additionally has prior theft charges dating back to 2013 in the district court system.

James and Debbie are believed to still be in the Washington County area. Anyone with information on their whereabouts is urged to contact Greene Washington Regional Police.