A Nightmare Purchase: Horror Unfolds in Burlington Home
Imagine the excitement of winning a foreclosure auction, securing a new property at a fraction of its market value, and stepping through the front door for the first time—only to find a scene straight out of a horror movie. This is exactly what happened to a new homeowner in Burlington, Connecticut.
Over the weekend, state troopers responded to a call on Stanwich Lane around 4:45 p.m. The report was chilling: human remains had been discovered inside the residence. Upon investigation, authorities confirmed the presence of the skeletal remains of three different people.
The Danger of the ‘As-Is’ Clause
The property was purchased through a foreclosure auction, sold under the notorious “as-is” condition. For many investors, this is a standard term, but in this case, it hid a gruesome secret. While the medical examiner is still working to determine the cause and manner of death, state police have indicated that there appears to be no criminal aspect to the discovery at this time.
“This appears to be an isolated incident and there is no danger to the public at this time,” stated the police department.
Why Foreclosure Properties Often Remain Unseen
One of the most pressing questions following this discovery is why the interior of the home wasn’t inspected prior to the sale. Chris Thogmartin, the court-appointed attorney managing the sale, explained that gaining access to foreclosure homes can be notoriously difficult.
According to Thogmartin, he repeatedly requested interior access for potential bidders, but received no response from the previous owners. Adding to the mystery, a “keep out” sign had been placed on the property, despite the home appearing dilapidated and uninhabited.
What You Need to Know Before Buying a Foreclosure
This shocking incident serves as a cautionary tale for anyone looking to enter the real estate market via auctions. When dealing with a foreclosure, it is crucial to understand the risks involved with “as-is” sales.
Key risks to consider:
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- No Interior Access: As seen in the Burlington case, you may never see the inside of the home before bidding.
- Undisclosed Liens: Properties may come with hidden debts or legal complications.
- Severe Deterioration: “As-is” can mean anything from a fresh coat of paint needed to structural collapse or, in extreme cases, biohazardous conditions.
- Lack of Owner Cooperation: Previous owners may be unresponsive or hostile toward inspections.
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Current Status of the Investigation
As of now, the identities of the three individuals have not been released. Court documents reveal that the previous owners, who purchased the home in 2019, failed to appear for hearings after the foreclosure process began in August 2025.
While the legal process of the foreclosure was handled by the book, the aftermath has left the community in shock and the new owner with a property that is far more than they bargained for.
