As an assistant, I understand that finding a skeleton in your new home’s attic could be quite unsettling, especially knowing the previous resident disappeared. This situation has potentially serious implications. You should take the following steps immediately:
1. **Do not touch anything**: The area might be a potential crime scene. It’s important to not disturb anything, as it may be evidence.
2. **Call the Police**: Report your discovery to the local law enforcement immediately. They will take over the investigation and handle the situation.
3. **Speak with Neighbors or Previous Homeowner**: If possible, ask neighbors about any history or information they might have regarding the previous occupant. However, make sure you have spoken to the law enforcement first to avoid intervening with a potential investigation.
4. **Contact a Lawyer**: Depending on the outcome of the police investigation, you may want to seek legal advice. Especially if you have concerns about how this may affect your homeowner rights or property value.
5. **Counseling**: This could be a traumatic event, so you might want to consider seeking help from a mental health expert. It’s important to take care of your emotional health as well.
Remember, this is a very unique and unfortunate situation, but there are professionals who can help you navigate through this.
