She Died in 2013. Her Landlord Kept Her “Alive” for 10 Years to Steal Her Social Security

Richmond, Virginia. July 2023.

Terrence Washington just wanted to go home after a long, hot day at work. But the overwhelming stench in Riverside Apartments, where he’d lived for six years, made everything worse. After three days of complaints to the landlord with no action, Terry decided to check on his elderly neighbor in the basement apartment—Dorothy Williams, a woman he hadn’t seen in years.

He couldn’t have known that this simple act would expose a decade-long crime: a missing woman, nearly $800,000 in stolen social security payments, and a landlord who thought he’d pulled off the perfect scheme.

The Secret Beneath the Basement Door

Following the smell down to the basement, Terry found Dorothy’s apartment door locked, but a small window was ajar. Torn between “breaking and entering” and genuine concern for his neighbor, Terry climbed through. The air inside was thick with decay. The apartment was frozen in time, covered in dust, with a newspaper dated September 2013.

Finally, Terry found an old chest freezer in the bedroom. When he opened it, he was stunned: inside was the body of Dorothy Williams, dressed in a floral dress, her face familiar yet frozen in time—hidden away for ten years.

The Investigation Unravels the Crime

Terry called 911 in shock. Police arrived, sealed off the scene. The landlord, Gerald Hoffman, showed up feigning surprise, then immediately accused Terry of breaking in. Terry was taken to the station, facing possible charges even though he was only trying to help.

But everything changed when the medical examiner revealed Dorothy had died in 2013, before Terry ever moved in. Police began investigating her finances. Shockingly, her social security payments—$6,500 a month—had continued for ten years, totaling nearly $780,000.

All the evidence pointed to Gerald, the landlord. He’d used her bank card, paid bills, made purchases, and forged paperwork to keep Dorothy “alive” on paper, so he could keep stealing her money. When Terry discovered her body, Gerald tried to shift the blame.

Justice Served

Gerald Hoffman was arrested and faced charges of murder, elder abuse, social security fraud, and grand theft. Terry was cleared of all wrongdoing. The community and police hailed him as a hero—but Terry just felt tired and sad for Dorothy.

Dorothy’s friends and former neighbors organized a small funeral, honoring her life: a devoted elementary school teacher, beloved by students and her community. Terry attended, realizing he had helped bring her home and restore her dignity.

Legacy and Lesson

After the trial, Gerald was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Terry received an unexpected reward: $50,000 from Dorothy’s remaining estate. He donated it all to a scholarship fund in her name, supporting students who wanted to become teachers, just like Dorothy.

Her name now appears on billboards for the scholarship, on college bulletin boards, and in the grateful hearts of future generations. Terry keeps living simply, working hard, and always pays attention to his neighbors—never ignoring a strange sign again.

This story isn’t about heroes or villains—it’s about a man who noticed something wrong and refused to look away. About a woman who deserved to be remembered. About justice delayed but not denied. About the power of caring, kindness, and refusing to abandon those in need.

Sometimes, all it takes is one person willing to act to change a life forever.

That’s what happened at 847 Riverside Apartments. That’s the story of Dorothy Williams. And that’s why Terrence Washington will never ignore a strange smell again.