(DailyChive.com) – Two women in Ashtabula, Ohio, Karen Casbohm, 63, and Loreen Feralo, 55, are facing felony charges after allegedly using a deceased man’s body to withdraw money from his bank account.
The shocking incident began on Monday, March 4, when Casbohm and Feralo, who lived with the victim, 80-year-old Douglas Layman, found him dead in their shared home. Instead of calling emergency services, the women allegedly enlisted the help of a third unidentified person. Together, they reportedly propped Layman’s body upright in the passenger seat of their car.
With Layman’s body in the car, they drove to a local bank’s drive-thru window. Police say the women had previously been to the bank with Layman. This time, they aimed to withdraw a significant amount, estimated at around $900.
The bank’s role in the incident is still unclear. Authorities revealed that Layman was positioned where the teller could see him. Investigators are trying to determine if the teller noticed anything suspicious.
The disturbing charade ended when the women dropped Layman’s body off at the emergency room of Ashtabula County Medical Center. They left the hospital without telling staff about the deceased man or themselves. It wasn’t until a few hours later that one of the women contacted the hospital and provided some personal details about Layman.
Officers went to Layman’s residence and arrested Casbohm and Feralo. Both women are charged with gross abuse of a corpse and theft. Ashtabula County Prosecuting Attorney Cecilia Cooper called the case “very unusual.”
The cause of Layman’s death remains unknown – although an autopsy is likely to be performed as part of the ongoing investigation. Police Chief Robert Stell indicated that Casbohm and Feralo could face additional charges depending on the investigation’s findings.
Interestingly, both women have had prior criminal records – While Casbohm has had a history of theft, soliciting, and drug offenses, Feralo, on the other hand, has faced assault charges, driving under the influence, and drug possession.
Casbohm has already been prosecuted, with a bond set at $5,000. Feralo’s arraignment is scheduled soon. Both suspects could face up to a year in prison if convicted of the current charges.
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