Feb 19 • 22:00 UTC 🇨🇦 Canada Global News

Toronto woman pleads guilty to indignity by hiding parents’ dead bodies

A Toronto woman has pleaded guilty to the indignity of hiding her deceased parents' bodies after lying to police during a wellness check.

Lorraine Wiseman, a 56-year-old woman from Toronto, pleaded guilty to charges of indignity to human remains after she misled police about the whereabouts of her deceased parents during a wellness check in May 2025. Authorities had responded to a call from a worried family member in Newfoundland, prompting them to check on Ruby and Neil Wiseman. Lorraine lied to the police, claiming her parents were alive and at a unspecified 'centre,' and even suggested that her brother was with them, thereby preventing the officers from discovering the truth immediately.

Upon further investigation and follow-up with neighbors, police managed to gain entry into the Wiseman home, where they made the shocking discovery of Ruby Wiseman's body concealed in a storage bin inside the house. Neil Wiseman's body was also found hidden, revealing a grim scenario that raised multiple questions regarding family dynamics and the circumstances surrounding the deaths. The timeline indicates a troubling disregard for the welfare of the deceased, illustrating a severe breakdown in this family’s ability to cope with loss.

The case raises important discussions about mental health, societal responsibilities towards vulnerable individuals, and the legal definitions of dignity concerning human remains. Lorraine’s actions, compounded by her initial deceit, suggest deep-seated issues that extend beyond the immediate incident, potentially reflecting a broader societal issue regarding the handling of death and familial responsibility in distressing situations. Her plea of guilty marks a pivotal point in a case that will likely resonate within the community as it examines the nuances of care and respect for the deceased.

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