Identical Twins Found Dead, Mummified in Recliners After 3 Years

In 2014, 63-year old identical twins were discovered dead in their living room recliners, both having been deceased for about three years.

Discovery

The mummified remains of Anthony and Andrew Johnson were discovered in their home in Chattanooga by a family member on March 29, 2014. Investigators believed the men had died in early 2011. They made this determination based on the condition of the men’s bodies, and a date stamp on a receipt found near some unused cans of Coca Cola.

The twins’ sister attempted to check on them in mid-2011, but did not have a key and could not convince police to enter because there were no signs of foul play. At the time, family members believed the men may have moved without informing anyone.

Although neighbors said they didn’t notice anything unusual, someone continued to maintain the twins’ lawn. The mailbox also included a note from postal carriers who believed the home was vacant.

A police statement described the men as living a “hermit lifestyle and did not communicate with family or anyone else.” They also noted there were no signs of foul play, no signs of forced entry, and no foul odors.

Medical Examiner Findings

In October 2014, the medical examiner released additional details and stated that Anthony – who was the primary caretaker for Andrew – likely died first from heart disease. With his caretaker deceased, Andrew could not monitor his own glucose and insulin levels, and died soon thereafter from complications related to diabetes.

Stories of long-dead residents are not unique. This story came a week after the report of a German woman who was discovered sitting dead in front of her television after about six months. There is also the extreme case of a woman who was found dead in her apartment after about 40 years.

Updated March 2016