After family could not contact Carina E. DeOcampo, they contacted authorities to check on her. When authorities arrived they encountered a horrible stench. After getting into the house they noticed it was full of garbage, in some areas up to eight feet. The police had to call in the missing-persons units who had to put on hazardous-materials suits to enter the home. Police and rescuers along with a K-9 search initially searched the home on Tuesday and they did not find the woman. It was on Wednesday when they returned with cadaver dogs that they finally found the 72-year old, dead. Family members say that DeOcampo had a heart condition and they had to call 911 once but she would not let them in her home. DeOcampo was a retired psychiatrist from the Florida Department of Corrections. After retiring, her cousin, Manny Manjon, states she became a recluse. She became a hoarder at an early age but it got worse after a family member died. She kept everything, even trash. Hoarders do this because everything reminds them of something, so they do not get rid of it. Manjon states that she was a very good woman, helpful and religious, and helped everyone; she just could not help herself. Homicide detectives have taken over the case, even though foul play is not being suspected and an autopsy is being conducted.
I read this story and I was astounded. I could not imagine living in that much trash. I like everything to be neat and clean. I could not imagine alienating myself from everyone. I know that there are people out there just like this lady. There is even a show about hoarders on cable. It is amazing how the mind works. This lady was a psychiatrist and not even she could help herself. I am at a loss for words. This is just crazy that someone could live in all that trash and not think it’s wrong. It had to smell terrible in her house, which is why she never let anyone in her home. The article stated that family would bring her food and leave it outside the door or on her car.
I truly hope that I never become a hoarder.
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I heard about this story a couple days ago and I had just about the same reaction as you. I don't understand how anyone can live that way. I'm a little unorganized and don't always put things back right away, but my house is clean. I couldn't stand to live in such filth. It makes me wonder what happened to her to make her just not care anymore.
ReplyDeleteWow...this is a pretty crazy story. I think I know what show you're talking about. It's called 'obsessed.' Hoarders have one of the toughest exposure therapies to undergo and it's virtually impossible to change their habits. The fact that she was a shrink is what is so baffling. I guess even psychiatrists have problems they can't resolve.
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