A Kansas couple is facing charges for allegedly engaging in fraudulent activities, collecting over $215,000 in retirement benefits on behalf of a deceased relative. The deceased, Mike Carroll, passed away in 2016 at the age of 81, as indicated by his pacemaker. However, it wasn’t until 2022 that authorities discovered his body concealed inside the couple’s home in Overland Park, Kansas. Kirk Ritter, Carroll’s son-in-law, reported the death to the police.
Lynn Ritter and Kirk Ritter, both 61 years old, are accused of continu ing to deposit and spend funds from Carroll’s bank account while his body remained in the home, eventually mummifying on a bed. Lynn Ritter is Carroll’s daughter. According to family members, the Ritters consistently provided excuses to avoid calls or visits from Carroll, leading them to believe he was still alive. The couple is scheduled to appear in federal court to face multiple charges on February 2.
Prosecutors allege that over the six years following Carroll’s death, he received pension and Social Security payments totaling $216,067. However, bank records from that period indicate checks being written from Carroll’s account and cashed by Lynn and Kirk Ritter.
News by Breaking911