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Eric Lappin died in May 2024, but his corpse remained in a bedroom for another five months while his mother, Melissa Lappin (44) of Beaverton, collected his state benefits amounting to nearly $24,000.
Eric Lappin was 26 when he died. He was autistic, had Down syndrome, and could not speak. His mother said he choked to death.
His mother, who pleaded guilty to abusing a corpse, and first-degree theft and forgery, was sentenced to four years and nine months in prison by Washington County Circuit Judge Rebecca Guptill on Tuesday.
She Collected His State Benefits For Months After His Death
The court heard that Melissa Lappin received the benefits as she was her son’s caregiver and for the five months after his death she concealed the truth from her family and friends.
However, the ruse ended when her father arrived, demanding to see his grandson. When he entered the bedroom, he was met with the sight of Eric’s decomposed corpse.
Lappin’s defense attorney pleaded for a sentence of probation, saying that the woman has been diagnosed with bereavement disorder and depression, and is now employed full-time. Lappin has also agreed to repay the state for the benefits she received.
Judge Guptill, however, dismissed the lenient sentencing plea, pointing to Lappin’s deceitful actions and leaving her son’s body in the bedroom for 105 days. The judge also took into consideration the fact that in 2003 and 2006, Lappin was convicted for passing a bad check and for animal neglect.
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