URGENT UPDATE: A shocking discovery in Rhyl, North Wales, has sent ripples through the community as a son uncovered the mummified remains of a lodger while renovating his late mother’s home. Leslie Harvey, 29, made the gruesome find on May 5, 1960, when he opened a cupboard at 35 West Kinmel Street, revealing the body of Frances Alice Knight, who had been hidden away for nearly two decades.
The shocking incident unfolded as Leslie decided to give his mother’s house a makeover while she was hospitalized. What was meant to be a simple clean-up turned into a horrifying revelation. Leslie, a taxi driver, was horrified to discover the shriveled remains of a woman beneath layers of clothes and cobwebs. Authorities quickly arrived at the scene, leading to an investigation that captivated the nation.
As police, forensic experts, and local coroners flocked to the home, Leslie’s mother, Sarah Jane Harvey, became embroiled in a murder investigation. Initially questioned from her hospital bed, she identified the remains as belonging to Knight, a former tenant who had lived with them during World War II. The circumstances surrounding Knight’s death raised immediate concerns.
Mrs. Harvey’s chilling account revealed that Knight, who suffered from muscular pains and was partially crippled, passed away in the home. Instead of reporting the death, Sarah allegedly concealed the body in the cupboard, continuing to collect her lodger’s £2 weekly allowance for years, amounting to a staggering £2,099 over time. She misled authorities, claiming Knight had moved to a care home.
The discovery of Knight’s body, mummified due to the warm air circulation in the cupboard, shocked investigators. Reports indicated that the body was stuck to the floor, requiring a garden spade to remove it. Forensic specialists immersed the body in a glycerine solution for a week to facilitate an autopsy, which suggested strangulation as the cause of death.
As the investigation unfolded, it became clear that Sarah Jane Harvey had a questionable history. Although she was acquitted of homicide, she was convicted of fraud, receiving a 15-month jail term for her deceptive actions. Following her release, she moved to a nursing facility, where she passed away from cancer shortly after.
The grim discovery continues to haunt the local community in Rhyl, sparking discussions even decades later. Retired police officer Raymond Vaughn remarked, “The case was the most unusual case anybody, including pathologists, had ever encountered.” He added that it would remain etched in his memory forever.
The chilling mystery of the “Mummy in the Cupboard” not only shocked the local community but also garnered attention from news organizations worldwide. As the investigation deepens and more details emerge, the implications of this case resonate beyond Rhyl, capturing the interest of those drawn to its macabre tale.
Residents and officials remain on edge as they reflect on the disturbing revelations, eager for answers about the events that transpired within those walls. The story of Leslie Harvey, Sarah Jane Harvey, and Frances Alice Knight continues to be a haunting reminder of the dark corners of human behavior. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
