Crime & Safety

Case Closed on Grandma Found in Storage Locker

Human remains found in a storage locker in January are confirmed to be those of Ann Bunch, Clearwater Police said Wednesday.

Human remains found in a storage locker in January are confirmed to be those of Ann Bunch, Clearwater Police said Wednesday.

"Due to the high level of media interest in the story, we wanted to make the media and public aware that the case is now closed with the positive identification," Elizabeth Watts, police spokeswoman, said in a release.

A Texas lab that specializes in analyzing mitochondrial DNA confirmed the sampling, according to Watts.

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There was not much question, as Bunch's granddaughter, Rebecca Fancher, did eventually claim the body from A Life Tribute for burial in Alabama.

Bunch's body was kept for 17 years in a blue, homemade coffin and stored among piles of newspapers, old televisions and other items in unit B-8 at the U-Stor storage facility.

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The body was discovered after the family fell behind on the $319 monthly rent for their multiple lockers. Facility managers called to let them know the contents would be put up for auction.

Related coverage:

Storage Locker Remains Identified

Woman Wants to Get Grandma Home

Grandmother's Body Still in Holding

Grandmother Got Home

 

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