Mercer Man Lived With Dead Girlfriend For Months, Authorities Say

MERCER COUNTY, NJ — A Trenton man lived with the decomposed body of his girlfriend for months before the body was discovered in a garbage bag, according to officials.

David Gibson, 44, was charged with disturbing or desecrating human remains, tampering with evidence, and hindering, Mercer County Prosecutor said Wednesday. More: Man Charged After Woman's Body Found In Trash Bag In Mercer: Officials

Gibson told investigators he found his girlfriend Kishon Smith unresponsive when he returned home at 615 Beatty Street on July 2022. He tried to revive her but was unsuccessful, Gibson told officials.

He then placed her on the bed where she remained for around 10-14 days, the documents state. Gibson eventually put Smith's body in a trash bag and placed it in the closet, according to the affidavit of probable cause.

On Nov. 18, Gibson was evicted from the apartment. When the landlord went in to clear the apartment on Dec. 23, he found the trash bag inside the closet, according to the complaint.

“One of the trash bags had a foul odor and as he pushed the trash bag down the staircase, he observed what appeared to be a human skull in the bag,” the document states. The landlord then called 911. More: Woman's Body Found In Trash Bag In Mercer County: Officials

Authorities arrested Gibson on Jan. 11 outside the Trenton Train Station.

The Middlesex Regional Medical Examiner's Office is still trying to ascertain the cause of death.

Smith’s death is currently under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mercer County Homicide Task Force at (609) 989-6406. Information can also be emailed to mchtftips@mercercounty.org.

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