Father's body found in 55-gallon drum, son charged

EAST VANDERGRIFT, Pa. - A man has been charged with abuse of a corpse, identity theft and fraud after his father's body was found in a 55-gallon drum in the Pennsylvania home they shared, reports CBS Pittsburgh.

Dave Thomas' body was found Tuesday in the East Vandergrift home he shared with his 31-year-old son of the same name.

Police say a neighbor called police asking them to check on the elder Thomas, a 59-year-old disabled war veteran. When authorities arrived at the house, they were reportedly greeted by his son.

Authorities say the younger Thomas told them he had not see his father in days. He then took them to the basement and showed them the barrel, according to the station.

Police say the younger Thomas was using his father's bank card to access his bank accounts. Court papers show he may have used his father's card to buy the barrel the elder Thomas was found in.

Police would not say what the younger Thomas told them when he showed them the barrel and pulled the top off, reports the station.

An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday morning. The younger Thomas could face new charges depending on the outcome of the autopsy, according to the station.

He is being held on a $55,000 bond.