Give Me Five Podcast
The skeletal remains of a former police detective, Mary Notarangelo, were uncovered in her cluttered rural Connecticut home, seven months after she vanished. Notarangelo, who was 73, had been a recluse, surrounded by hoarding conditions that hindered search efforts. Authorities found her remains in February during a cleanup operation aimed at clearing the massive piles of trash in her home.
Notarangelo was last heard from in June 2024, when she texted a friend about feeling ill. Her friend, concerned about her well-being, contacted the police after not hearing from her for about three weeks. Despite the welfare check, the overwhelming clutter in her home made locating her impossible at the time.
On February 24, an environmental services team began clearing the “mountains” of trash from Notarangelo’s home. Using a small excavator, workers discovered her remains hidden behind a large pile of debris. The authorities cited the extensive trash as a significant obstacle in their earlier search attempts.
The Glastonbury Police Department described the conditions in Notarangelo’s home as some of the worst they had encountered. The house was filled with cages of dead birds, a live cat, and mice, all contributing to a terrible stench. The chaotic environment severely hampered efforts to locate Notarangelo during initial searches.
Officer Anthony Longo reported the overwhelming presence of garbage, cobwebs, and spiders inside the house. Navigating the home required climbing over piles of trash, as no clear paths existed. Initial searches on July 3, 2024, were unsuccessful due to the hoarding, with a drone deployed to aid the search failing after striking cobwebs.
Additional searches in July and November still couldn’t locate Notarangelo. Her friend, Patti Steeves, expressed sadness over the situation, remembering Notarangelo as a kind-hearted person despite her quirks. Steeves, who worked with Notarangelo at the Bridgeport Police Department, tried discussing the hoarding issue with her, but Notarangelo was reluctant.
Notarangelo was passionate about birds, owning around 20, along with a cat and dog. Her career with the Bridgeport police began in 1985, with promotions to detective in 1992 and sergeant in 1993. She retired on disability following an on-duty car accident.
The state medical examiner’s office declared that the cause of Notarangelo’s death couldn’t be determined due to her remains being primarily skeletal. The case highlights the challenges authorities face when dealing with extreme hoarding situations. The Glastonbury Police Department has not provided additional comments regarding the lengthy discovery process.
Hoarding presents significant obstacles for law enforcement when it comes to welfare checks and missing person searches. Notarangelo’s tragic story underscores the importance of addressing hoarding issues before they escalate. Friends and family play a crucial role in encouraging individuals to seek help for such conditions.
The complexity of hoarding cases often requires a coordinated effort from multiple agencies. Notarangelo’s case serves as a reminder of the need for compassion and understanding in dealing with mental health issues. The community is left to mourn the loss of a woman who, despite her struggles, was remembered fondly by those who knew her.
