Bensalem, Pennsylvania — A Pennsylvania man is facing charges after police say his mother’s body was left inside their home for nearly two weeks before authorities were alerted by a neighbor reporting a strong odor.
Derrick Bouffard, 37, has been charged with abuse of a corpse following the discovery of his 70-year-old mother, Cynthia Bouffard, inside their residence in Bensalem, located just northeast of Philadelphia.
The case began on October 25, 2025, when officers responded to a call from a concerned neighbor about a foul smell coming from the home.
“Authorities were alerted after a neighbor reported a strong odor coming from the residence.”
Police discover body inside home
When officers arrived at the home on South Hunters Court, Bouffard reportedly told them his mother had “stopped breathing that morning.”
However, upon entering the residence, officers found a very different situation.
Police said the woman’s body showed clear signs that she had been deceased for an extended period of time.
“Investigators said the victim appeared to have been dead for some time and was found inside the living room.”
Authorities noted that Cynthia Bouffard was found emaciated and in a state of decomposition, raising immediate concerns about the timeline provided.
Investigators believe body was left for nearly two weeks
According to investigators, evidence suggested the victim had been deceased for approximately two weeks before being discovered.
Reports indicate she was found on a mattress in the living room, weighing just 60 pounds at the time.
During that period, authorities say Derrick Bouffard continued his daily routine, including ordering food deliveries to the home multiple times a day.
To receive those deliveries, investigators noted he would have had to walk past the area where his mother’s body was located.
“Police believe the body remained in the home for days while normal activity continued around it.”
Death ruled natural, but case remains serious
Initially, authorities treated the case as a suspicious death investigation while awaiting autopsy results.
However, officials later determined that Cynthia Bouffard died of medical causes, according to the district attorney’s office.
Despite the cause of death, the charge stems from the allegation that the body was not properly reported or handled after death.
Family reacts with mixed emotions
The victim’s daughter, Carrie Acevedo, expressed conflicting emotions about the situation.
“I feel super conflicted,” she said. “I know my mom loved my brother very much.”
She also described the situation as surreal and difficult to process.
“It feels like a movie… it doesn’t feel like real life.”
Acevedo added that her mother may have been suffering from undiagnosed dementia, though no official diagnosis had been confirmed.
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Victim remembered as dedicated nurse
Cynthia Bouffard is being remembered as a compassionate and hardworking individual.
According to her obituary, she spent more than three decades working as a nurse, caring for patients with dedication and commitment.
She was described as independent, strong-willed, and resilient, qualities that defined her throughout her life.
Court hearing scheduled
Derrick Bouffard is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on April 8 as the case moves forward.
“The defendant now faces charges related to the handling of the body, not the cause of death.”
Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.
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