Daughter charged with concealing her mother’s death appears in court

The New Hanover County woman charged with concealing her mother’s death for the past seven months appeared in court Thursday. Authorities say Amy Stewart and her family were living in the home where 87 year old Blanche Roth was found decomposing.

Stewart did not want to speak on camera after her appearance in court this morning. The 47 year old has applied for a court-appointed defense attorney. She did not enter a plea. Stewart is facing felony charges for concealing a dead body at 612 Cherry Laurel Court. The body was discovered Tuesday after 911 got an anonymous tip. Stewart’s husband and 3 children were living in the house with her. The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office anticipates filing additional charges related to fraud.

Amy Stewart is out of jail on bond, scheduled to appear back in court January 14th, at 9 a.m.
Autopsy results for Ms. Roth have not been released.