Neighbor’s pigs suspected after 75-year-old woman found dead on her porch
PATASKALA, Ohio (WBNS) - Investigators believe a neighbor’s pigs may have contributed to the death of a 75-year-old woman whose body was found on her porch on Christmas.
Police were called to do a welfare check on 75-year-old Rebecca Westergaard Rigney after she didn’t show up for a Dec. 25 holiday celebration. When an officer arrived at Rigney’s house in Pataskala, Ohio, he found her dead on the steps of her front porch with injuries to her legs.
As the officer secured the scene, he saw a large pig enter the area. It was determined the animal belonged to Rigney’s neighbor.
Police believe the pig may have contributed to Rigney’s injuries. Officers found at least two pigs at the neighbor’s residence and told the owner the pigs would need to be quarantined until further notice.
The Licking County Coroner’s Office says Rigney died from bleeding out due to extensive superficial injuries by livestock animals. It also says she had prior health conditions, and her death was ruled accidental.
Neighbors like David Mullings are shocked by what authorities believe happened.
“It was pretty crazy, wild because there’s not just wild pigs roaming. I’ve never seen pigs except for the market down the street so ... very confusing,” Mullings said. “This is a very quiet neighborhood. Nothing happens in this neighborhood.”
David Hanson regularly delivers packages to the neighborhood, and he says it’s unbelievable.
“I was shocked just to hear that two pigs had possibly killed a woman. It was a little shocking,” he said.
The coroner’s office says a full report on Rigney’s death will be available within six weeks. For now, police are still investigating.
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