Police previously called to animal-filled home

Berwyn police say they were previously called to an animal- and insect-infested home where a 14-year-old mentally disabled boy was found dead. His 49-year-old mother faces criminal abuse and other charges.

The Chicago Tribune cites Berwyn’s police chief, James Ritz, as saying in a Friday statement that police went to the home at least six times since 2003 but never saw anything that might hint someone was in danger inside. He says most of the calls dealt with property complaints.

Matthew Degner was found dead outside earlier in September. The medical examiner’s office says he died of pneumonia.

Prosecutors have said the house where the boy was found stank of feces and urine. Among the animals inside were 109 cats, three dogs and a raccoon.