By Jeff Devine
It’s a graphic and disturbing story. Authorities in Blount County are conducting an investigation after a woman was found dead at her home in what officials believe was a tragic accident that resulted in her death.
According to Blount County District Attorney Pamela Casey, deputies discovered the body of 67-year-old Rita Thomas around 4 p.m. Saturday at her home on Tyler Road in Remlap. Deputies were called to perform a welfare check after neighbors became worried when Thomas hadn’t been seen for about three weeks and her mailbox was overflowing.
Investigators believe Thomas may have suffered a medical episode on the steps outside her home and died as a result. Evidence at the scene suggests that after her death, she remained undiscovered for up to several weeks. In a disturbing development, officials also say evidence shows she was dismembered and eaten by her own dogs once they grew desperate for food.
Officials say no foul play is suspected at this time, though the incident remains under investigation by the Blount County Sheriff’s Office and the County Coroner’s Office. Deputies and investigators returned to the home on Sunday to continue processing the scene.
Sadly, it is the policy to euthanize any pets that are known to have consumed human flesh because they are concerned a biohazard. A cat that was inside the home was found in a severely malnourished and unhealthy state. The cat also was euthanized by authorities.
