LAKEWOOD, CO – A married couple from the Denver suburb of Lakewood is facing criminal charges after allegedly concealing the death of a man with whom they had an intimate relationship, reportedly keeping his body in their home for a year and a half to continue collecting his Social Security benefits.

James David Agnew, 55, and Suzanne Ruth Agnew, 57, were arrested after investigators found the body of James O’Neill, 62, inside their South Ammons Street apartment. The pair now faces charges that include tampering with a deceased body, abuse of a corpse, theft, and unauthorized use of a financial transaction device.

The case began unfolding when O’Neill’s brother contacted Lakewood police in late June, expressing concern after losing contact with him for several years. The brother reported that the family had neither seen O’Neill since 2019 nor spoken with him since 2021. Officers visited the Agnews’ apartment and spoke with a man who introduced himself as “James.” Although he refused to let the officers inside, he suggested to officers he was the missing O’Neill.

Authorities later determined the man was, in fact, James Agnew, who allegedly misrepresented himself during the welfare check. Subsequent attempts by law enforcement to clarify O’Neill’s whereabouts yielded conflicting accounts from the Agnews, who at one point claimed O’Neill had moved out several years ago after meeting someone online.

While communicating with O’Neill’s brother, the Agnews provided sensitive banking and Social Security information, encouraging efforts to deposit inheritance funds. Suspicion grew when they abruptly ended contact upon learning O’Neill himself would need to be present for any account activity. The brother then checked on the bank account and noticed ongoing monthly Social Security deposits of nearly $1,000, frequent ATM withdrawals, and overdrafts, despite O’Neill’s apparent absence.

Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from a local 7-Eleven, capturing James Agnew using the dead man’s debit card for purchases on multiple occasions. Armed with this evidence, police arrested James Agnew in early July on an outstanding warrant. Detectives then contacted Suzanne Agnew and informed her of a search warrant for the residence. She reportedly admitted right away that O’Neill’s body was inside the home.

Authorities searching the apartment discovered human remains presumed to be O’Neill’s. During interviews, Suzanne Agnew told police that the three individuals had lived together for years and were involved in a consensual three-way relationship. She said O’Neill, whom she called “Jim,” died in December 2023 due to what she believed were medical issues or drug use. Neither Agnew was suspected of causing his death.

Suzanne allegedly described initial reluctance to report O’Neill’s passing, acknowledging it was wrong to conceal his death. She recounted efforts to protect his remains from their pets, covering the body once their small dogs began disturbing it, using a deflated air mattress as a barrier.

James Agnew, in a separate interview, admitted to frequent use of O’Neill’s debit card and was aware of the continued Social Security deposits entering the account. He told investigators that the financial benefits were a factor in the decision not to notify authorities about O’Neill’s death.

According to police, the Agnews spent approximately $17,400 from O’Neill’s Social Security payments over an 18-month period after his death. Both remain in custody awaiting further legal proceedings, while authorities await final confirmation on O’Neill’s cause of death.