Man on quest for new RV wrapped his dead mom in blankets and tried to sink her to the bottom of a river, deputies say

A Florida man is facing serious criminal charges after investigators say he wrapped his deceased mother’s body in blankets and a rug, weighed it down with cinder blocks and chains, and attempted to hide the remains in a river while continuing to spend her money for weeks afterward.

Authorities arrested Joshua Kuke Cullen, 47, following a disturbing investigation that began as a missing-person case and quickly evolved into a homicide-related inquiry involving allegations of financial exploitation, elder neglect, and abuse of a corpse.

Missing-Person Report Raises Suspicion

According to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began on May 25 when Cullen reported his mother missing from her home in North Fort Myers.

Investigators said Cullen provided several conflicting explanations regarding her whereabouts. At different times, he allegedly claimed his mother had suffered a stroke, was hospitalized, or had possibly left with a wealthy man whose identity he could not provide. Detectives soon became suspicious as they attempted to verify his statements.

As the search progressed, authorities discovered financial activity on the woman’s accounts that appeared inconsistent with a genuine missing-person case. Investigators allege that Cullen had been accessing and spending money belonging to his mother after her death, including making purchases related to a recreational vehicle (RV).

Boaters Make Grisly Discovery

The investigation took a dramatic turn on May 29 when boaters traveling along the Peace River in neighboring Charlotte County noticed a large object submerged in the water and alerted authorities.

Deputies responding to the scene discovered human remains wrapped in a carpet and secured with chains and cinder blocks in what investigators believe was an attempt to keep the body hidden beneath the river’s surface. The remains were later identified as Cullen’s mother.

Sheriff Bill Prummell of Charlotte County said investigators found the victim tightly wrapped in blankets and enclosed within a rug that had been weighed down to prevent discovery. Despite those efforts, the remains were spotted by passing boaters before the disposal attempt could succeed.

Investigators Believe Body Remained in Home for Weeks

Authorities allege that the woman likely died inside the home she shared with her son and that Cullen continued living there while her body remained inside the residence.

During a joint news conference, Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno described the case as one involving “lies, deception, and a shocking disregard for human dignity.” Investigators believe Cullen kept his mother’s death hidden while continuing to use her financial resources for personal expenses.

Detectives have not publicly disclosed how the woman died, and officials have not announced whether homicide charges could be filed pending the results of further forensic examinations.

Evidence Links Suspect to River Disposal

Investigators say surveillance footage and physical evidence helped connect Cullen to the disposal site.

During searches connected to the case, detectives recovered items including a wheelbarrow, ladder, and straps believed to have been used to transport and dispose of the victim’s remains. Authorities also released images that allegedly show Cullen’s vehicle carrying some of those items before the body was discovered. Investigators used the evidence to establish a timeline linking him to the river location.

Law enforcement officials believe the materials were used to move the body and attempt to sink it in the river, though the exact sequence of events remains under investigation.

Charges Filed

Cullen has been charged with abuse of a dead human body and neglect of an elderly person. Additional charges could be considered as investigators continue reviewing evidence and await medical findings regarding the victim’s death.

Following his arrest, Cullen was booked into the Lee County Jail. Court records indicate he is being held on bond while awaiting future court proceedings.

Investigation Continues

Authorities emphasized that the case remains active and that detectives are continuing to gather evidence regarding the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.

Sheriff Marceno said investigators remain committed to ensuring accountability and determining exactly what happened in the weeks leading up to the discovery of the body. Officials have encouraged anyone with additional information to contact law enforcement.

The shocking allegations have drawn widespread attention across Florida, with investigators describing the case as one of the most disturbing elder-abuse investigations they have encountered in recent years. As the legal process moves forward, prosecutors are expected to review additional evidence that could influence future charges and court proceedings.