Couple was driving with a dead relative in the trunk of their car, Virginia cops say

A traffic stop in Northern Virginia revealed a couple was driving with a recently deceased relative in their Toyota Corolla, according to investigators.

The strange find was made Tuesday, Nov. 19, in Calverton, when police acted on a tip from a funeral home, the Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office’s said in a news release. Calverton is about a 50-mile drive southwest from Washington, D.C.

“The couple was transporting a family member who had died in Central Virginia a few days before,” the sheriff’s office said.

“Deputies removed the couple from the car and confirmed the presence of the deceased wrapped in blankets in the backseat/trunk of the car.”

The Manassas couple was “temporarily detained” as detectives investigated the origin of the body. It was discovered an official examination and death pronouncement had never been made, the sheriff’s office said.

After ruling out foul play, detectives “arranged for an official pronouncement of death and an examination.”

“The couple was released to continue with their promised journey to return their family member to her final resting place,” the sheriff’s office said.

A cause of death was not released and the sheriff’s office did not report charges were filed.

“The FCSO reminds the public that when finding a deceased person to immediately contact local authorities before moving the deceased,” the sheriff’s office said.

“Procedures and protocols are in place to ensure both justice, and respect for the deceased, is always served.”

This story was originally published November 20, 2024 at 7:09 AM with the headline "Couple was driving with a dead relative in the trunk of their car, Virginia cops say."