Metro

Woman searching for closure finally collects father’s belongings from house after squatter took over six years ago

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Published June 14, 2024, 6:15 a.m. ET

A New York squatter who has been living inside a dead man’s home for the last six years finally allowed the homeowners to collect family belongings that were left inside.

Donna Kent recently gained access to her father’s Staten Island home after his death in 2012, but was met with a self-aware squatter named Kyle when she arrived to claim her father’s prized possessions, according to NewsNation.

The squatter opted against throwing out Kent’s father’s items when he took over the residence.

“I understood the situation clearly that somebody would come back,” Kyle told the outlet. “And how would it make them feel if I told them I threw away their parents’ property.”

Kyle says he knew exactly what he was doing while he was staying at the home, but claims to have not broken any laws and even admitted he was a squatter.

Donna Kent recently gained access to her father's home after his death in 2012, but was met with a self-aware squatter named Kyle when she arrived to claim her father's prized possessions.
Donna Kent recently gained access to her father’s home Staten Island after his death in 2012, but was met with a self-aware squatter named Kyle when she arrived to claim her father’s prized possessions. NewsNation

“I am. Technically that is what it is, but I didn’t break in, and I didn’t come in illegally,” Kyle said. “It’s just, they stopped coming and collecting rent.”

“I figured eventually somebody would show up, but nobody showed up.”

The relationship between Kent and her father, who died in 2012 is unknown, but the outlet reported that the house had become hers after more than a decade.

Kyle says he knew exactly what he was doing while he was staying at the home, but claims to have not broken any laws and even admitted he was a squatter.
Kyle says he knew exactly what he was doing while he was staying at the home, but claims to have not broken any laws and even admitted he was a squatter. NewsNation
The relationship between Kent and her father, who died in 2012 is unknown, but the outlet reported that the house had become hers after more than a decade.
The relationship between Kent and her father, who died in 2012 is unknown, but the outlet reported that the house had become hers after more than a decade. NewsNation

While viewing the interior of the dilapidated home, Kent was brought upstairs to where all her father’s belongings were stored.

“So much stuff everywhere,” she said about the boxes of items strewed around the attic.

Among the personal possessions, Kent discovered old family photos, most from her father’s second wife, and others dated back to the 1930s, baseball cards and what she thought were human remains.

“I bet you this is somebody’s ashes,” Kent said holding a golden square urn. “I wonder if this is my dad’s ashes.”

But after uncovering several more cans with what she presumed to be human remains, Kent found one labeled for a pet crematorium and realized her father had a little pet cemetery in his attic.

“Makes me feel a little better that it’s pets and not people up here,” Kent shared.

After rummaging through all of her father’s items, Kent didn’t feel the relief she had been hoping for.

“I’ve always felt like there was something in there to give me some information, a glimpse into my dad’s life. It’s nice I was able to get into the house and see it for myself,” she said.

Kent uncovered her father's collection of old baseball cards.
Kent uncovered her father’s collection of old baseball cards. NewsNation
Some of the family photos were dated from as far back as the 1930s.
Some of the family photos were dated from as far back as the 1930s. NewsNation

New York City homeowners have been plagued by squatters taking up residency in their homes and refusing to leave, a majority being not as friendly as Kyle.

One squatter, 24-year-old Lance White-Hunt sued the homeowners of a Queens home when he attempted to claim ownership of the house back in March by providing a Shake Shack receipt to prove his residence.

His plan backfired and he has been hit with an 18-count indictment that could put him behind bars for 15 years if he’s convicted.

Last month, City Councilwoman Susan Zhuang introduced a bill that would track squatters and the properties they take over which would be listed in an online database.

After rummaging through all of her father's items, Kent didn't feel the relief she had been hoping for.
After rummaging through all of her father’s items, Kent didn’t feel the relief she had been hoping for. NewsNation

The quarterly report would be posted online with information including the addresses of known squatter houses and the number of days the property has been under squatter control.

It would also include when the NYPD or city officials became aware of the squatters and any response to those complaints.