A 68-year-old man from Pennsylvania has been arrested following the discovery of his wife’s body in an advanced state of decomposition. Police allege he concealed her death for approximately one month while acting as her sole caregiver.

Discovery in Lebanon County

The remains of 66-year-old Sharlene Mikula were discovered inside her residence on Timber Lane in Lebanon County on March 28th. Officers were conducting a welfare check prompted by concerns raised by the victim’s family.

Grim Scene and Initial Findings

Upon entering the home, investigators encountered signs of severe neglect, including a strong odor of decomposition and a large number of flies. This indicated that Sharlene Mikula had likely been deceased for around a month. Her husband, 68-year-old Michael Mikula, was present at the scene and was taken into custody.

Husband's Admission and Allegations

According to charging documents from the Lebanon County District Attorney Office, Michael Mikula admitted his wife had died roughly four weeks prior to the discovery. He allegedly moved her body around the house using shovels but did not contact emergency services or inform family members.

Prosecutors claim Michael Mikula deliberately concealed his wife’s death while continuing to live in the home with her remains. Family members had previously contacted law enforcement requesting welfare checks due to concerns about Michael’s alleged verbal abuse and Sharlene’s mental health and malnutrition.

Prior Medical History

Records show that emergency medical services were called to the home nearly a year prior, resulting in Sharlene Mikula’s admission to an inpatient medical program. She successfully completed the program, but follow-up care was reportedly neglected.

Criminal Charges and Current Status

Michael Mikula, who held power of attorney and served as his wife’s sole caregiver, admitted to providing minimal sustenance and failing to seek medical attention as her health declined. He stated he assisted her into bed, but she often ended up on the floor.

The Lebanon County Coroner Office reports that autopsy results are pending due to the advanced state of decomposition, complicating the determination of the cause and manner of death. Michael Mikula is currently charged with neglect of a care-dependent person, abuse of a corpse, reckless endangerment, and tampering with evidence.

He is being held at the Lebanon County Correctional Facility on $100,000 bail as detectives continue their investigation.