Saturday, June 15, 2024 - A 75-year-old man suffered a stress-induced heart attack after finding his Arkansas home had been invaded by two squatters who used Google for tips on how to get away with claiming somebody else’s home.
Kelly DeShields, 54, and Matthew Villagran,
46, had been squatting in Gary Brankel’s Maysville home for at least a
month, claiming they believed it to be unoccupied for years.
Meanwhile, Brankel had been staying at a
treatment facility, recovering from a medical issue, only to return on May 30
to find the couple illegally occupying his residence.
DeShields allegedly claimed ownership of
the house after following instructions she found via
Google, according to a probable cause affidavit.
“She found information on the internet that
led her to believe she could obtain the property by paying the property taxes
and maintaining the residence and land,” the document stated.
Deshields showed deputies at the Benton
County Sheriff’s Office a receipt from the revenue office in Gravette
demonstrating that she paid $162 in assessment fees on May 1 for Brankel’s
home. She later admitted that no one at the revenue office told her she could
occupy the land.
The couple is also accused of burning
Brankel’s personal documents and home décor after they falsely laid claim to
the home. Deputies said they found a “fresh” burn pile on the land with several
destroyed items that belong to Brankel.
Officials said Brankel was
hospitalized again after suffering a heart attack “due to the stress caused by
the squatters.”
His current condition remains unclear,
but he was able to confirm that he did not recognize DeShields and Villagran,
nor did he ever give them permission to occupy his home.
DeShields and Villagran were eventually
arrested on June 5 and charged with burglary.
The duo are in custody at the Benton County
Detention Center, DeShields is being held on a $25,000 bond and Villagran on a
$15,000 bond.
They are scheduled to appear in court on
July 15.
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