In the quiet community of Roseville, Michigan, a daughter's unthinkable betrayal led to the tragic death of her mother, Patricia Ann Bennett. The 69-year-old woman, a female resident of the city, was discovered deceased on January 14, 2020, though the events leading to this grim finding began months earlier. Her death was not of natural causes, but a violent act committed by her own child.
The discovery was prompted by concerned grandchildren who requested a welfare check after not hearing from their grandmother for a significant period.
The investigation into Patricia's disappearance quickly unraveled a chilling story of deception. Patricia had been shot in the head by her 53-year-old daughter, Carol Marie Rey, in November 2019. Following the murder, Carol placed her mother's body in a plastic storage bin and concealed it in the detached garage of their shared home. To maintain the facade of her mother being alive, Carol engaged in a calculated charade. She used her mother's cell phone to send text messages to family members, posing as Patricia to quell any suspicions. This elaborate deception allowed the crime to go unnoticed for weeks.
When police arrived at the Roseville home to conduct the welfare check, they were met with evasiveness from Carol. Her inconsistent statements raised red flags, prompting law enforcement to obtain a search warrant. The subsequent search of the property led to the gruesome discovery of Patricia's remains in the garage. Investigators also uncovered that in the time between the murder and the discovery of the body, Carol had been using her deceased mother's bank accounts and credit lines for her own financial gain.
Carol Marie Rey was arrested and initially charged with first-degree murder, larceny over $20,000, and possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony. In a later court proceeding, she accepted a plea deal, pleading no contest to a reduced charge of second-degree murder. This plea agreement resulted in the dismissal of the larceny and firearm charges. Ultimately, Carol Marie Rey was sentenced to serve 20 to 30 years in prison for the murder of her mother. During the legal proceedings, it was mentioned that she is bipolar and requires medication, though the primary motive appeared to be financial. The case concluded with Carol expressing remorse for her actions before beginning her lengthy prison sentence.
