When ten roommates were startled by strange noises emanating from their basement, they initially suspected a haunting, only to uncover a more unsettling truth.
Aside from the mysterious sounds and alarms, the group also noticed open drawers in the kitchen and bathroom, as well as lights illuminated in unoccupied rooms.
Driven by curiosity and fear, they traced the noises to the basement, where they encountered a locked door. One of the housemates, named Mark Hartman, recounted to ABC News how his roommate Brett, upon investigating, consistently found the door locked whenever he attempted to open it.
During a subsequent exploration of the basement, Brett was astonished to stumble upon an unidentified man. Startled, Brett inquired about the man’s identity, only to receive the name “Jeremy” in response before the individual abruptly left the premises.
With the assistance of law enforcement, the group managed to force the door open, revealing a furnished bedroom complete with personal items such as photos, books, a TV, and clothing.
The Ohio State University students soon realized that Jeremy had been clandestinely residing in their basement without payment, using a secondary entrance to avoid detection. It was later discovered that Jeremy’s cousin had previously lived in the residence, providing him with access.
This unsettling revelation occurred in Columbus, Ohio, in 2013, prompting the leasing company, NorthSteppe Realty, to promptly change the locks following Jeremy’s discovery. However, the students expressed concerns over the company’s oversight in detecting the unauthorized occupant.
A note from the landlord was posted on the property, urging Jeremy to contact them. Jeremy complied later that evening, retrieving his belongings from the room.
While Jeremy had access to a basement bathroom and sink for laundry purposes, the students believed he refrained from consuming their food or entering their private quarters.
Mark highlighted the security lapse, noting the lack of lock changes and the potential risk posed by multiple individuals possessing keys to the house. The students sought rent concessions and legal advice to address the situation.
Despite the alarming circumstances, Jeremy was described as a relatively amicable individual by a fellow roommate, Jimmy Alderman, who acknowledged the potential dangers of the situation and expressed gratitude that it did not escalate further.