Brankel had been away at a treatment facility recovering from a health issue and returned on May 30 to find the couple illegally residing in his home. According to a probable cause affidavit, DeShields purportedly researched online and believed she could acquire the property by paying taxes and maintaining the premises.
She even showed deputies a receipt from the revenue office indicating she paid assessment fees for the home, though she admitted no one there had authorized her occupation. The couple is accused of burning Brankel’s personal documents and home items after falsely asserting ownership.
Authorities reported that Brankel suffered a heart attack again due to stress caused by the squatters. His current condition is uncertain, but he confirmed he did not know DeShields or Villagran and had not given them permission to inhabit his home.
Brankel had been away at a treatment facility recovering from a health issue and returned on May 30 to find the couple illegally residing in his home. According to a probable cause affidavit, DeShields purportedly researched online and believed she could acquire the property by paying taxes and maintaining the premises.
She even showed deputies a receipt from the revenue office indicating she paid assessment fees for the home, though she admitted no one there had authorized her occupation. The couple is accused of burning Brankel’s personal documents and home items after falsely asserting ownership.
Authorities reported that Brankel suffered a heart attack again due to stress caused by the squatters. His current condition is uncertain, but he confirmed he did not know DeShields or Villagran and had not given them permission to inhabit his home.
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