A Florida woman has been charged with disturbing a dead body and failure to report a death in connection with the death of her friend, Brenda Corbin, who was found deceased more than a year after she was reported missing. Lori Hamilton, 60, was appointed legal guardian for Corbin, 59, who suffered from dementia.
Hamilton reported Corbin missing on May 20, 2025, stating she last saw her friend the previous evening at her Cape Coral home. Hamilton told investigators that Corbin, who did not have a cellphone or vehicle, was gone when she awoke. She claimed she searched for Corbin before contacting authorities, speculating her friend might have been with a man who had previously held her against her will. Investigators noted Hamilton appeared unconcerned and could not recall details of their activities in the days preceding Corbin's disappearance.
During the investigation, doorbell camera footage from neighbors showed no sign of Corbin on the night she allegedly went missing, and Hamilton's social media posts from that time focused on seeking help with moving furniture, with no mention of her missing friend. A search of Hamilton's truck revealed Corbin's wallet, Social Security card, and medications. Towels and bedding with discoloration were also collected, and K9 units detected the odor of human remains near the truck's tailgate.
Records from Hamilton's cellphone and license plate reader data indicated her truck traveled on State Road 31 in the early morning hours of May 19, 2025. A trail camera captured Hamilton's vehicle near Babcock Ranch Preserve, and subsequent camera footage showed the truck at an intersection before 5 a.m. that day. Hamilton later claimed she was checking on her horse at the ranch, a location her truck had not previously been seen.
Corbin's nude, decomposing body was discovered the following day near a trail at Babcock Ranch Preserve, covered in brush with drag marks leading from the road. A leather belt was found between the road and the body. The Medical Examiner could not determine Corbin's cause of death due to the body's condition and animal damage.
When notified of Corbin's death, Hamilton reportedly looked down and retreated into her home. Corbin's son stated he last spoke with his mother on May 16, 2025, via a call from Hamilton's phone, during which Corbin could be heard saying Hamilton would not disclose her home's address. Hamilton then reportedly took the phone and ended the call.
In a recorded phone call with Corbin's daughter, Heather Bliss, Hamilton denied killing her friend, stating, "I haven't killed your mom. I would never." Authorities noted that Hamilton focused the conversation on her own experiences with law enforcement rather than on Corbin or her family's feelings.
Nursing home staff who previously cared for Corbin reported issues with Hamilton regarding Corbin's care and her refusal to grant permission for medication adjustments, which led to involvement from the Florida Department of Children and Families. Corbin's daughter expressed surprise at Hamilton's arrest, stating she had appeared to be a good friend and found the situation nonsensical.
The affidavit against Hamilton alleges she "intended to conceal the death and altered the evidence and/or circumstances surrounding the death of Brenda Corbin." She is currently being held on a $6,000 bond awaiting an arraignment scheduled for September 8. IMAGE3: Corbin's nude, decomposing body was found covered in brush near a trail at the Babcock Ranch Preserve last year after she went missing.