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The two Christian women charged in connection with the discovery of a 69-year-old's mummified remains in Westmoreland reportedly used a mix of chemicals and baking soda to conceal the foul odour and slow the decomposition of the body, which they allegedly kept hidden inside a house for two years.

Viola Destin's remains were discovered last week in a house in Old Hope district, Little London, Westmoreland, some 574 days after she died on December 10, 2023.

According to the Savanna-la-Mar police, one of the accused women, Lavern Wedderburn, encountered Destin on the streets in 2023. She informed Gena Robinson of her condition. The two women later sought spiritual advice from a pastor who resides overseas, and based on his guidance, they brought the elderly woman into their care.

Destin's health reportedly deteriorated shortly thereafter, and she was moved to Robinson's home in Old Hope, where she died on December 10, 2023.

Instead of reporting her death, the women allegedly concealed the body in a room at the house, covering it with sheets, plastic, and tarpaulin, and using chemicals and baking soda to suppress the stench.

The body was discovered on July 6 after a relative of Robinson stumbled upon the makeshift grave and called the police. Upon their arrival, lawmen found the mummified remains of the elderly woman.

Robinson was taken into custody on the same day, and Wedderburn was arrested three days later. The women reportedly confessed to their actions in caution statements and question-and-answer interviews conducted in the presence of two Justices of the Peace.

Robinson, 54, of Old Hope district, and Wedderburn, 49, of Rocky Hill in Sheffield, have both been charged with concealment of a corpse, preventing the lawful burial of a corpse, perverting the course of justice, conspiracy to conceal a corpse, and conspiracy to prevent the lawful burial of a corpse.

A court date is currently being finalised.