Retired detective found dead in hoarding conditions in Connecticut

In Connecticut, the remains of retired police detective Christine Notarangelo were uncovered in February 2025, several months after her disappearance in July 2024. Authorities began searching for Notarangelo after a welfare check was requested due to concerns from a friend who received a concerning text message from her in mid-June 2024. Unfortunately, the search efforts were severely hampered by extreme hoarding conditions in her home located in Glastonbury, southeast of Hartford. Officers reported mountains of garbage obstructing entrance doors, making it difficult to conduct thorough searches. Initially, on July 3, 2024, police and firefighters were unable to locate her despite sending in a drone, which malfunctioned upon encountering cobwebs inside the house. Furthermore, the house was so cluttered that plywood had to be removed from the front door area, and a small excavator was later brought in to carefully extract debris in hopes of finding Notarangelo. Investigators mentioned that prior search attempts were hindered by similar issues, ultimately leading to the discovery of her remains only after extensive excavation of the property in February 2025. Notarangelo had a deep affinity for animals, especially birds, which she tended to at her home. She was reportedly an animal lover, described as a 'bird fanatic' by friends, who stated she cared for around 20 birds along with a cat and a dog. Her friend Patti Steeves expressed her sorrow regarding the circumstances of Notarangelo's passing, indicating that although she was eccentric, she had a good heart and a passion for her faith. Steeves had attempted to address the hoarding issue in the past but noted that Notarangelo was unwilling to engage in that conversation. Christine Notarangelo served the Bridgeport Police Department from 1985 to 1996, achieving promotions to detective in 1992 and sergeant the following year. Nicolangelo often shared her love for animals and her practice as an 'intuitive and reiki master' on social media, connecting with an audience who appreciated her unique perspective on life. However, the tragedy of her situation illuminates broader issues of mental health, hoarding, and the potential consequences of unaddressed psychological struggles.