North Fort Myers, Florida — A disturbing investigation in Florida has led to the arrest of a man accused of disposing of his mother’s body in a river before later reporting her missing to authorities.
Investigators say the case began as a missing person report but quickly evolved into a criminal investigation after evidence connected the suspect to human remains found months earlier.
Missing Person Report Raises Questions
According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a North Fort Myers residence on May 25 after 47-year-old Joshua Cullen reported his mother missing.
Authorities say Cullen provided several different explanations regarding her whereabouts.
Investigators allege he claimed his mother may have suffered a stroke, been hospitalized or left with a wealthy man.
According to officials, Cullen stated that he had not seen his mother since March. However, detectives soon uncovered information that raised concerns about his account.
Financial Activity Sparks Investigation
As investigators examined the case, they allegedly discovered Cullen had been accessing his mother’s financial accounts after her disappearance.
Authorities said he reportedly used funds connected to her accounts to purchase an RV.
Investigators also began examining evidence related to the mother’s disappearance and movements around the time she was last seen.
According to Sheriff Carmine Marceno, detectives believe the woman died inside the home before her body was removed.
“We believe the woman died inside the home, and Cullen continued living alongside her deceased body,” Marceno said. “This sorry excuse for a man left this woman exposed, discarded, and alone while he selfishly carried on with his life.”
Human Remains Found in River
While searching for answers, investigators learned that the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office had recovered human remains near the Peace River on March 29.
Authorities said the remains were discovered after a group of boaters noticed something unusual submerged in the water.
“A group of boaters saw something large submerged in the water,” Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell said. “We responded, and located a woman wrapped in carpet, bound tightly and weighed down by cinder blocks and chains.”
Investigators later confirmed the remains belonged to Cullen’s mother.
The discovery significantly shifted the direction of the investigation and led detectives to focus on Cullen as a suspect.
Technology Allegedly Linked Suspect to Disposal Site
Authorities said license plate reader technology played a key role in connecting Cullen to the area where the body was found.
Investigators allege his vehicle was captured traveling toward Hunters Creek on March 28.
According to the sheriff’s office, the vehicle was seen carrying a wheelbarrow attached to the roof. Authorities later located that wheelbarrow near the area where the victim’s body was recovered.
Detectives say the evidence helped establish a timeline that linked Cullen to the river shortly before the remains were discovered.
Charges Filed as Investigation Continues
As of Wednesday, Cullen had been charged with neglect of an elderly person and abuse of a dead human body.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing and additional charges could be considered as detectives continue gathering evidence.
Meanwhile, those who knew the victim have expressed grief over the circumstances surrounding her death.
Vivien Perez, identified as Cullen’s former wife, told reporters she was devastated by the outcome.
“She definitely did not deserve anything like that,” Perez said.
Investigators have not yet announced whether homicide-related charges will be pursued, but officials say the case remains active.
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