Missing Woman Found Dead in Garage Attic

WILSON, N.C. — The body of a Wilson woman who had been missing for more than a month was found late Monday in a garage attic, authorities said.

Mary Katherine Lamm, 36, was reported missing Dec. 8. After her family reported smelling a foul odor in a detached garage on Monday, deputies searched the building and found her body, authorities said.

Investigators at the scene said it appeared the area had been designed to avoid discovery of the body, but authorities said there were no indications of foul play and that the death appeared to be a suicide.

Authorities combed the woods near Lamm's home in the days following her disappearance, but found nothing. Lamm's mother criticized authorities Tuesday for not searching more diligently for her daughter.

"They supposedly searched carefully," Vivian Lamm said. "I'm thinking that there at least three deputies that were supposed to go upstairs and search this garage. Obviously, they did not. They went to the top of the steps and said, 'We don't see anybody,' and down they came."

Wilson County authorities said they believe they handled the case property. Vivian Lamm admitted that the family never searched the garage attic either. Wilson County authorities said

Mary Lamm's body has been sent to the State Medical Examiner's Officer for an autopsy to determine the cause of death.

Her mother said her daughter suffered from a bipolar disorder and severe depression and was paralyzed on her left side.

"She never had a chance. She was a wonderful person," Vivian Lamm said.

The case remains under investigation.