A months-long missing persons case in Swansboro has turned into a criminal investigation, after a live-in caregiver was charged when human remains found in Carteret County were identified as those of an 84-year-old woman family members had been trying desperately to reach.
Swansboro police say an autopsy confirmed that the remains recovered during an investigative operation belong to Katy Hiatt, who was last seen on Oct. 31 and reported missing on Jan. 15. State and local investigators worked together on the recovery and identification, according to WITN.
Detectives identified Hiatt’s caregiver, Angela Angle, as a suspect and say she has now been charged in connection with the case. Swansboro’s deputy police chief told reporters that Angle is awaiting extradition to North Carolina and that formal charges will be announced once she is returned to the state, as reported by FOX5 Vegas.
What police found at the home
When officers executed a search warrant at Hiatt’s Glancy Street home in January, they reported discovering blood-like staining on bedding and what they described as unsanitary conditions consistent with prolonged neglect. Swansboro officials say the caregiver, along with Thomas Angle, had been living in the home, and that the conditions inside, along with other obstacles, complicated the early stages of the investigation, according to WITN.
Family and next steps
Hiatt’s son told police he reported his mother missing after the caregiver blocked his attempts to see or speak with her, according to law enforcement accounts. Authorities had previously listed Angela and Thomas Angle as persons of interest after the couple left the Swansboro area. Investigators are still developing evidence and have asked anyone with information to contact police, FOX5 Vegas reported.
