Cause of Greenville mom's death unknown

GREENVILLE, Mich. (WOOD) - Greenville police still don't know why 38-year-old Sally Case died over the weekend while home alone with her 3-year-old son.  

Case's ex-husband showed up to her home in the 600 block of Harrison St. Sunday afternoon to pick up his son. The 3-year-old boy answered the door and when his father asked where the boy's mother was, and the boy said she was upstairs. Case's ex husband went upstairs found her dead.

Public Safety Director Mike Pousak told 24 Hour News 8 Case was bleeding from a head wound, but it does not appear that wound contributed to her death.  

Pousak said it appears the little boy was home alone with his deceased mom for at least several hours -- perhaps as long as a full day before his father found them.  

Police were called to the scene Sunday afternoon, and the Michigan State Police mobile crime lab was brought in from Grand Rapids to aid in the investigation.

"When they pulled up in the ambulance without the lights and then just walked really casually up the driveway and inside and then 15 minutes later they were leaving just as casual as they came," said Case's friend and neighbor Tara Heminger.

Pousak told 24 Hour News 8 an autopsy did not show exactly what killed Case, but did rule out violent crime. Tissue and blood samples have been sent away for analysis. Pousak said they would not get those results back for six to eight weeks.  

"She was a very nice lady," said Heminger. "It broke my heart for the little boy. I'm thankful that he's got such a good dad and brother and sister to help him get through this. I hope the best for all of them."  

Heminger's youngest child used to play with Case's son.  
 
"All I can think of is him being there all morning by himself and maybe trying to wake his mom up. You know, 'Mom, I'm hungry,' and she's not waking up," said Heminger.  

Heminger said she noticed Case had turned a light on in the spare bedroom of her home on Saturday evening. She said she first thought something might be wrong when she noticed that light remained on all night and into the next day.  

Heminger said that room is where Case's body was found.  

"It just breaks my heart," said Heminger. "I think [her son] was her everything."  

24 Hour News 8 spoke to Case's ex husband Tuesday afternoon. He didn't want to say much, telling 24 Hour News 8 the family is still waiting to hear from detectives what exactly happened to his ex. He did say his son is doing well.  

Pousak told 24 Hour News 8 there have been a few times where the boy has called out for his mom.  

"He knows something's askew," said Pousak.  

The boy is living with his father. Pousak said there are no plans to remove the boy from his father's care.  

There are no suspects or people of interest. Police say Case's body will now be returned to her family.