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Woman's body sits in front of TV for 2 1/2 years

Johannas Pope didn't want to be buried, believing that she would come back to life.

Pope died at her home here at age 61 on Aug. 29, 2003. A towel had been placed around her neck to keep her cool on that 87-degree summer day. She wore a white gown while sitting in a chair in an upstairs room, in front of a television that played as family members went about their lives downstairs.

She remained there, according to her wishes, for almost 2½ years.

Cincinnati police found the mummified grandmother Wednesday in her two-story, peach-colored home in the 5500 block of Davies Place.

Living in the 75-year-old house with the corpse were her daughter, Lisa Pope, a granddaughter who was born three months after her death, and Pope's caretaker, Kathy Painter, investigators say.

Pope had lupus, but it was unknown Monday whether that contributed to her death.

The coroner said he found no signs of abuse or foul play. Little body tissue remained, making it difficult to determine the cause of death, he said.

Owens has collected some tissue to test for chemicals and diseases

The caretaker and family members did not benefit in any way by keeping Pope's body.

"There was no money involved," Owens said. "There was no personal gain."

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We should have 'em locked up anyway.  they're clearly nuts!