Investigation of Social Security benefits theft leads to recovery of body in Kingman, Ariz.

An investigation of theft of Social Security benefits over four years has led to the recovery of a body in Kingman, Ariz.

The Mohave County Sheriff’s Office said human remains were recovered March 3 where they were buried on the property of Mary Elizabeth Killen, 57.

The sheriff’s office said the remains at 3171 Lass Ave. have not been positively identified and that the medical examiner has not yet determined a cause of death.

Killen was indicted for theft in October, following an investigation that she stole her boyfriend’s Social Security benefits over an extended period. The boyfriend, William Felder, was 71 when he went missing from his Fort Mohave home in summer 2010.

Killen told a Social Security benefits investigator in December 2014 that Felder went to Mexico and never returned, according to court records. Records suggest that Killen told authorities Feb. 29 where Felder’s remains were buried.

Killen said she accepted Felder’s benefits, estimated at about $50,000, the sheriff’s office said.