Authorities in Arizona say the body of an elderly woman believed to be 77-year-old Sandra Aven was found this week — potentially two years after her death.
According to ABC News, Sandra Aven’s daughter, 46-year-old Tara Aven, and granddaughter, 24-year-old Briar Aven, were arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of multiple charges related to allegedly cashing checks made out to the victim over a period of years.
Police are also investigating the death as a homicide and both family members are being treated as suspects, according to reports. In addition to charges of fraud and tampering with evidence, Tara Aven is expected to face a criminal count of facilitating murder in the first degree.
Investigators became involved in the case after local authorities received a report for a welfare check from a resident of Prescott who requested a welfare check. The complainant reportedly stated at that time that he had not seen the alleged victim for some time.
The woman’s daughter and granddaughter, who lived next door to her, allegedly gave police conflicting information during questioning.
Briar Aven reportedly said Sandra Aven was out of town and could not be reached, as reported by the New York Post.
When officers entered the eldest Aven’s residence, they reportedly found a body inside. Officials had not provided a positive identification of the remains prior to initial reports of the arrests.
As of the latest reports available, both women remained behind bars at the Yavapai County Jail.
[Featured image: Sandra Aven, Tara Aven and Briar Aven/Yavapai County Jail]
