She was believed to have died in
October; no foul play suspected
Staff
Reports
While conducting a welfare check at a local residence, sheriff’s officers found a woman and her dog dead in her home. Both appeared to have been deceased for several months.
Neither the victim nor dog presented any sign of injury or trauma, according to Clay County Sheriff Mark Buchanan. There is no foul play suspected.
Deputies were sent to the home of Silvia Liliana Archambo, 69, on May 24, the day an acquaintance of hers had contacted the sheriffs office.
“She related that they had not heard from the female for an extended time,” said Buchanan.
The owner’s vehicle was in the driveway and all access points to the home were secured and locked. Repeated knocks on the door were unanswered, Buchanan said.
Deputies determined that the victim was last known to be alive in mid-October of 2022. It is believed she passed away on Oct. 10 or within the following days.
Investigators created a timeline of the victims’ last days by reviewing financial transactions, personal writings and items located within the home.
“An alert deputy found a paper memo near the front door from a utility provider. The memo was a reminder to the owner that the electricity bill was past due. The reminder was dated 01/09/2023,” he said.
“Evidence was found indicating that the victim was suffering from an undiagnosed medical issue that was causing her significant pain and immobility,” he said. “It appears that the canine passed from dehydration. There is no evidence that criminal activity was involved in the victim’s death.“
Archambo moved to Clay County a few years ago from another state and had no family in the area, Buchanan noted. Her surviving family was notified of her passing. The cause of her death is unknown at this time.
The death of the woman prompted Buchanan to remind older citizens that the sheriff’s office has a program that lets them know you are safe.
“I would like to make our citizens aware of our shut-in/elderly daily call program. We have a list of folks that call us daily so we know they are alright. If they fail to call our office by 10:30 a.m., we send a deputy to the home to check on them.”
Buchanan said residents can add themselves or a loved one to their call-in list by calling (828) 389-6354. “Simply ask to be placed on the call-in list,” he said.