The Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Homicide Unit charged Jersey City resident Cheryl Gatling, 53, with concealing the remains of a woman, 78, whom authorities believe to be her mother Dorothy Gatling.
According to the HCPO, Charyl Gatling is charged with Concealing Human Remains, Possession of a Weapon (Knife) for Unlawful Purposes, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon (Knife), and Terroristic Threats.
On June 26, at approximately 8:18 p.m., Jersey City police officers responded to 415 Arlington Ave. on a welfare check for one of the fourth-floor occupants.
Gatling had allegedly barricaded herself in the apartment and would not allow officers to access the unit for three hours.
At approximately 11:24 p.m., she opened the door and allowed the officers into the apartment where they found a lifeless woman, 78, presumed to be the mother of the defendant, Dorothy Gatling.
The victim was pronounced dead at 11:47 p.m. and is “believed to be deceased for an extended period of time,” according to the HCPO.
The cause and manner of death are pending the findings of the Regional Medical Examiner.
Additional charges may be filed pending further investigation and the findings of the medical examiner.
The above charges are merely accusations. Cheryl Gatling is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
