SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - The caretaker of an elderly woman whose body was found inside her Springfield home will now face charges, and also made thousands of dollars doing it.
On Nov. 6, 2025, the Sangamon County Coroner responded to 86-year-old Lillie Prindle's address in Springfield at the Springfield Police Department's request.Â
The family had requested that Adult Protective Services and SPD perform a wellness check.Â
When police entered the home, they found Prindle dead inside. Springfield police said she had been dead for a long time before her body was discovered.Â
The coroner said her body was in an "advanced state of decomposition," but could still be identified.Â
An autopsy was done the following day. The coroner said there was no evidence of injury or trauma. Prindle's death is still under investigation.Â
Court records show that her caretaker, Gena English-Wheat, was charged with concealment of death.
A police report showed that English-Wheat claimed Prindle was staying with a family member.
The report mentioned several withdrawals made from Prindle's bank account. She had been receiving Social Security benefits and a state pension.
Springfield police said security footage had shown English-Wheat taking out the money, adding that she made around $130,000 by hiding the death.Â
English-Wheat was granted pre-trial release and is due back in court on March 12.Â
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