Kentucky Man Charged For Leaving Mother's Dead Body On Porch For Almost 2 Years

A Louisville man was charged with the abuse of a corpse Wednesday after he left his mother's dead body on his back porch for almost two years.

David Wood, 57, was arrested Tuesday, and appeared before the Jefferson County District Court judge Wednesday. The remains were discovered on Dec. 3, 2021, in the 1100 block of Cristland Road, WAVE 3 reported.

The detectives with the Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) launched an investigation that led to Wood’s arrest. He had an outstanding warrant at that time, WDRB reported, citing the arrest affidavit.

Wood's mother's remains were found wrapped in a blanket, on the back porch of the house. During an interview, the detectives found Wood was the primary caretaker of his 89-year-old mother, who they believe died in May 2020. Wood told the detectives after his mother's death, he carried her corpse to the back porch and left it there.

His arrest affidavit said he "treated the corpse in ways that would outrage ordinary family sensibilities," according to WAVE 3. The LMPD didn't disclose further details, but added they were working to investigate the woman’s cause of death.

During the court appearance Wednesday, Wood told the Jefferson County District Court judge he wished to represent himself. However, the judge advised against it and told him to advertise his Fifth Amendment rights.

"Sir, you understand you have the right to remain silent?" the judge asked. "Anything you say can be used against you in a court of law."

After Wood said he understood this, the judge asked him to rethink. "I would suggest you don’t tell me anything about the nature of this."

"I will tell you I am uncomfortable releasing you on this charge," the judge told Wood.

Wood is currently being held at the Louisville Metro Department of Corrections, with his bond set at $120,000.

In December 2021, an Iowa man was convicted of first-degree murder and abuse of a corpse after beating and hanging Michael Williams and throwing his body in a ditch. Vogel, a white man, admitted to three people he killed Williams, a Black man, out of jealousy stemming from a love triangle involving Vogel's girlfriend. Williams' body was found burning in a ditch on the side of the road in Kellogg. The body was wrapped in plastic and duct-taped.