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LAFAYETTE, Ind – Lafayette police tell FOX59 the investigation continues into whether criminal charges will be filed in the death investigation of Gerald “Scooter”’ Gavan.

According to the Tippecanoe County coroner, the 88-year-old died around July 15, 2013. His body wasn’t found until May 2014.

Gavan’s caretaker sat down with FOX59 to explain why she chose not to tell anyone the 88-year-old veteran was dead.

“It’s been awful. I am really shocked at how mean people can be.”

Ila Solomon talks to us about the reaction she’s gotten around town since Lafayette police said she hid Gavan’s dead body in this home for nine months.

“I disagree with that, “ said Solomon.

The caretaker tells FOX59 she was at the home when Gavan died in late April from a stroke.

“I started giving him ice cream and he started arguing with me and said it was his time. He said get me outside. He was too big and I couldn’t move him,” recalled Solomon.

Solomon says Gavan wanted to be outside after dying because he wanted a sky burial, which is an ancient funeral practice where birds dispose of a corpse.

“I opened up the door so the birds could come in and eat him. He wanted to see the world again through a bird’s eye view. I didn’t notify anybody. Somebody else did.”

Lafayette police tell FOX59 they are still investigating and criminal charges are possible against Solomon.

“I hope not. Hopefully people will understand. That’s what I hope. Everyone has a death wish,” Solomon said.

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