Son hid dad’s body in closet for weeks, used Social Security funds on drugs, deputies say

CHESTER COUNTY, S.C. — A Chester County man has been arrested for the neglect and death of his 75-year-old father, according to the sheriff’s office.

Deputies were called Sunday to a house on Boyd Road, where they found the body of Clyde Shirley. Deputies and SLED agents found evidence that William Shirley, 35, had neglected to give basic care to his father, who was in poor health and depended on him for care, they said.

Clyde Shirley died on or around Feb. 25 and his son did not report his death, deputies said.

According to authorities, William Shirley put his father’s body in a closet in the home, where it remained until law enforcement arrived at the home on Sunday, March 14.

Deputies said William Shirley was a habitual drug user and used his father’s money to support his drug use. According to the arrest warrants, William Shirley allegedly hid his father’s body so that he could continue receiving Social Security funds from his account.

William Shirley is charged with abuse/knowing and willful neglect of a vulnerable adult resulting in death, and exploitation of a vulnerable adult. He is behind bars at the Chester County Detention Center.

The Sixth Circuit Solicitor’s Office will prosecute this case.

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