A Connecticut homebuyer won a foreclosed house at auction, then made a discovery no buyer expects: skeletal remains of three people inside the property.
State troopers were called to 7 Stanwich Lane in Burlington at 4:46 p.m. on June 14 after the buyer reported human remains in the structure. The buyer had purchased the house “as is” at a foreclosure auction, according to Connecticut State Police.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner had not determined a cause of death, and police said the identities of the three people had not been confirmed. State police also said there was no indication of a criminal aspect and no danger to the public.
Most foreclosure buyers worry about repairs, liens, mold, old systems, or hidden damage. This case has raised a much stranger question: what happens when a property is sold without anyone entering the home before the auction?
The House Was Sold At Foreclosure Auction
People reported that foreclosure proceedings on the Burlington property began in August 2025 after the listed owners received a default notice from their mortgage servicer.
The house was approved for a foreclosure auction in March and sold on June 6. CT Insider reported that the winning bid was $525,000.
After the remains were found, attorney Christopher H. Thogmartin asked the court for direction on how to proceed with the sale.
The Property Showed Signs Of Neglect
The property showed signs of neglect before the auction. CT Insider reported that a state marshal said overgrown vegetation made the house hard to find.
Court filings cited by the outlet said no one entered the interior before the auction because of “Keep Out” and “Owner Occupied Premises” signs.
A separate CT Insider report said firefighters had responded to an audible alarm at the home on May 23, about two weeks before the remains were found. Fire crews reportedly did not enter because getting inside would have required damage, and the house appeared vacant from outside.
The Sale Could Face New Court Questions
Thogmartin’s court motion said the discovery could raise questions about the validity of the foreclosure judgment, depending on who the three people are and when they died.
The Guardian reported that he also asked about returning the auction winner’s $82,000 deposit if the sale is canceled.
State police said detectives from the Western District Major Crime unit are investigating. More information is expected after the identities and manner of death are confirmed.