A 76-year-old Colorado man with dementia is reportedly living in fear after squatters took control of his home. William Towns, who lives in Colorado Springs, initially invited a homeless woman into his home to help with chores. However, the situation quickly spiraled out of control when the woman moved her son, boyfriend, and belongings into the house, according to Towns’ daughters.
The family claims that the squatters have since set up a mushroom-growing operation in the living room and engaged in illegal drug use. Towns, who has lived in the home with his wife for 50 years, now feels unsafe in his own residence. “They harass our dad and provoke altercations with him,” his daughters wrote in a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for legal expenses.
Despite numerous calls to the police, law enforcement has informed the family that, because the squatters were initially invited into the home, the situation is not considered trespassing. The family is now facing the costly and time-consuming eviction process. “We feel so helpless,” Towns’ daughters said. “Each day that goes by leaves us with less trust in the system.”
The legal fees are a significant burden for the family, who rely on fixed Social Security income. The squatters, meanwhile, continue to occupy the home, and the family feels trapped in a situation they cannot control.
