Reports: Detroit mom kept children's bodies in freezer for years
DETROIT -- A 35-year-old Detroit woman identified as Mitchelle Blair has reportedly confessed to killing two of her children years ago and stuffing their bodies inside a freezer, according to CBS Detroit.
The bodies were found Tuesday when a bailiff attempted to serve an eviction notice. He saw a body in a stand-alone freezer, who officials believe was that of a 14-year-old girl, and called 911. Police later discovered another body in the freezer, believed to be that of an 11-year-old boy, according to the station.
A tip from a neighbor led police to Blair, who was found nearby and questioned. She was then arrested late Tuesday.
According to reports, Blair confessed to killing two of her children after allegedly discovering that they had molested a younger sibling. She reportedly killed her son in May 2012, and killed her daughter sometime around February 2013.
Reports go on to say that the bodies were stored in plastic bags and placed in the freezer in the apartment where the woman continued to live with her two other children, ages 11 and 17. Those children were found Tuesday unharmed at a neighbor's home and are now in protective custody, according to CBS Detroit.
Autopsies have been delayed because of the bodies' frozen state, but authorities told CBS Detroit the process should be completed by Thursday.
Before Blair allegedly confessed, "police say several neighbors and family friends say Blair had told them she killed her children," according to a report by WJBK-TV. It is unclear if those people knew the children were being kept inside a freezer or if they made any prior attempt to notify police.
Blair remains in police custody.
At a Wednesday press conference, Detroit Police Chief James Craig said the case is being investigated as a double homicide.
"Because this continues to be an active homicide investigation I will not be discussing specifics. Our homicide team continues to work diligently to bring some closure to both family and their friends."
According to the station, Blair was apparently going through financial troubles and neighbors said she knew about the pending eviction. Court records show a judgment filed against her last month for $2,206 owed to the complex.
Blair's children were supposedly home-schooled, which is why she never drew the attention of Detroit Public Schools.
Anyone with information on the case is urged to contact police at 313-596-2260 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-SPEAK-UP.