A Home Renovation Turned Into A Fully Fledged Investigation

Published on 03/22/2020

A couple in their 40s, originating from Ohio, were in the midst of home renovations when they stumbled upon an incredible find. The first two stories of the house had just been completed and construction on the basement was about to be underway. This couple had no clue what awaited them. They began tearing down the plywood and going about this demolition in their own way. However, they saw something rather strange…

Demolition In Progress

They saw an object that struck them and decided to investigate. The couple never expected that it would be something that would result in the FBI’s involvement.

Screenshot 2

Demolition In Progress

Chipping Away

They decided to pick away at the walls when it became evident that there was graffiti plastered across the walls too. This basement seemed to be filled with some hidden secrets.

Screenshot 3

Chipping Away

A House Full Of Secrets

The husband was in absolute awe of what he was seeing, as he tore away the wallpaper and discovered the graffiti and multiple drawings. He definitely did not expect what was still to come, a series of events was about to unfold…

Screenshot 6

A House Full Of Secrets

Stuck In The Ceiling

A strange item was stuck between the subfloor and roofing. As he got closer, trying to make out what the object was, he noticed that it was perfectly built in between the rafters. Using his strength and determination he managed to free the object and bring it towards himself.

Stuck In The Ceiling

Stuck In The Ceiling

Found Something Strange

As they progressed they did not notice their entire surrounding. The homeowner went on renovating and tearing away, whilst capturing each moment on camera. Luckily he thought to document it.

Screenshot 1

Found Something Strange

Mysterious Suitcase

As he began to demolish the ceiling a few of the other structures and walls had already been broken down. As he went on and the object came towards him it was evident it was something bulky and big. It was a suitcase.

Screen Shot 2018 10 10 At 12.18.31 PM

Mysterious Suitcase

Waiting For The Reveal

The suitcase was grey and green and had clearly been left there to never be found again. He was taken aback by the weight of the suitcase and immediately thought it was strange that it was this heavy.

Waiting For The Reveal

Waiting For The Reveal

One Heavy Suitcase

He had a feeling that he needed to approach the situation cautiously and carefully. The excitement was getting him worked up and rather flustered. He calmed himself and proceeded to uncover the secrets inside…

Screenshot 8

One Heavy Suitcase

The Big Reveal

A bit startled he decided it would be a good idea to give the Mrs a call. He had to fill her in and he definitely did not want here to miss out on what was inside. Secretly, he wanted her in case the contents were a bit dodgy.

Screenshot 5

The Big Reveal

What Could Be Inside?

It can clearly be seen that an individual wanted this suitcase to remain hidden, but why? He waited anxiously for his wife and examined it over and over again- continuing to ponder on exactly why it was so heavy and what could possibly be inside.

Screenshot 10

What Could Be Inside?

Big Dreams In A Little Suitcase

Although the suitcase is small the condiments could be massive. He started to imagine what could potentially be within the luggage. It was hidden so smartly and tightly that the contents must be of some kind of value.

Big Dreams In A Little Suitcase

Big Dreams In A Little Suitcase

Maybe It was Nothing

It was somewhat the kind of thing you see in a movie and he was still rather shocked. He was eager to reveal what was in the suitcase, so the minute his wife got home he explained his finding.

Maybe It Was Nothing

Maybe It Was Nothing

Christmas

Almost feeling as if Christmas had come early- he was ready to unwrap this mysterious present. The couple grouped and discussed what could possibly be in the green suitcase.

Screenshot 8

Christmas

What’s Inside?

Was it of value? Money? Jewels? The renovator had rather reasonable expectations and thought it would be just random junk such as old sports cards and weird stuff. The contents left them both in disbelief.

Screenshot 7

What’s Inside?

Unwrapping The Mystery

They congregated all together and opened the suitcase. The first thing they saw was wax paper, lots of it- it was covering other rectangular objects. They were still curious about what the wax paper was hiding…

Unwrapping The Mystery

Unwrapping The Mystery

Full of Money

They removed the covered wax paper wads and everything fell in to place.   They began to unravel the wax paper covered objects, holding the contents all together in their hands. Finally, the time had come to see just what was inside…

Full of Money

Full of Money

Speechless Over The Money

As they peeled off the waxy material it dawned on them that it was cash, wads of cash. The stack consisted of $20 bills and a huge stack of them, it was the first of many.

Speechless Over The Money

Speechless Over The Money

So Much Cash

As they observed the bills it was evident that they were rather old. They stood in awe of just how much money the had just stumbled upon. How did it get there and who had placed it so carefully?

Screenshot 1

So Much Cash

And More Money

The husband later told the press, “These are all twenties! There may be a couple thousand here! We are freaking out at this point.” He went on to say, “This doesn’t happen to us! What do we do? Where are the cameras?”

And More Money

And More Money

Endless Cash

They were excited to be unraveling and uncovering all the other bundles. Was it all money or was there other hidden treasure to be found, potentially worth even more. The couple looked at the bundles and at each other utterly shocked.

Endless Cash

Endless Cash

At First, It Was Funny

They anticipated and eagerly wanted all the wads to be cash, of course. As they began to unwrap the layers they hoped to find the same notes but it was even better, the 20s, 50s, 100s all higher bills were there instead.

At First It Was Funny

At First, It Was Funny

Old Money

“The second package didn’t have any twenties. It was all fifties! What is going on here? There could be 5 grand here! Wait! The third package is 100s! This is out of control!” he told the journalists. Their minds were racing and they had so many unanswered questions.

Old Money

Old Money

Dating The Cash

This couple had just found tons of money in their house. First, the couple laughed, until it actually hit them this was no joke. The money had come from somewhere and where was that if it was hidden and abandoned just like that?

Dating The Cash

Dating The Cash

From the 1950s

WHo had put this money there? The aging of the notes was a clear indicator they had been hidden a long time ago, dating back to the 20s and 30s. How long had it been since then and how much cash was it?

From the 1950s

From the 1950s

A Pleasant Surprise

They dug a bit deeper into the matter and something became truly clear. The suitcase and the cash were both severely aged, this was the first clue, but the couple needed to know more.

A Pleasant Surprise

A Pleasant Surprise

They Had A Normal Life

They emptied and unraveled the rest of the bundles out of the suitcase. Once emptied another surprise awaited, one that held answers. A newspaper was laying at the bottom of the suitcase, it was dated…

They Had A Normal Life

They Had A Normal Life

1951

The newspaper was dated: 25 March 1951. It was an old newspaper from that time known as the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The couple was even more taken aback than before.

Screenshot 2

1951

Had To Contact The Authorities

Besides for this, they knew it was an issue of the local Cleveland newspaper. The couple was ecstatic and overwhelmed with their discovery. Their next thought was of course, just how much the money was all worth.

Had To Contact The Authorities

Had To Contact The Authorities

More Things To Uncover

The couple felt so lucky. Another incredible feature was that some of the bills were star bills, meaning that they had never actually been utilized as real currency or money. The money was dated back to seven decades prior.

More Things To Uncover

More Things To Uncover

Never-Ending Findings

The couple decided to contact a lawyer in order to establish what the money was in fact worth. It was valued at $23,000, they were in luck and had truly stumbled upon something.

Never-Ending Findings

Never-Ending Findings

Back To Work

Following a week filled with celebration and lawyers, the couple had decided they were ready to resume and get back to their daily agendas. Feeling over the moon with their find, they had circled and begun to let the excitement die down again. However, the end was not upon them just yet…

Back To Work

Back To Work

And Here We Go Again

I mean they had basically torn down their house, found $23,000 it was inevitable that they would have to rebuild. He could not believe it when he stumbled upon yet another suitcase in the ceiling…

Screenshot 5

And Here We Go Again

Heavier Than The First

He was found alone, again in the exact same position with a new suitcase. Excited was an understatement. He did not know how he would have missed this one when he managed to find the first one. Once again he would wait for his wife to uncover the goods.

Heavier Than The First

Heavier Than The First

The New Suitcase

“This was a wild ride for us, and I hope you all enjoyed it, too,” his Reddit post exclaimed. “We are boring people and have been dumping our extra money to pay off our mortgage, and that is where this money will go too.”

The New Suitcase

The New Suitcase

Same But Different

The man carefully recorded each encounter with his camera. They were certain this was it, but the future held its own secrets and surprises. The pair naturally felt even more curious.

Same But Different

Same But Different

The Search Continues

They wondered whether their house held more secrets behind its walls. Well, that and they could definitely not just leave their basement in the wrecked state it was in. Thus, the search went on.

Screenshot 6

The Search Continues

A Bigger Fortune

They moved forward with their renovation process and continued with their fixer-upper. However, the couple never expected that the FBI would soon be involved in their lives and their home…

A Bigger Fortune

A Bigger Fortune

The Wait Is Over

As soon as his wife arrived home they rushed to open the second suitcase. And just as the first one, this was filled with wads and bundles of cash. The value will leave you stunned…

And The Wait Is Over

The Wait Is Over

What Else Was Hiding Here?

When the husband went back to work he found yet another suitcase shafted between the rafters. Their basement was riddled with surprises. This time, it was not just cash, something else awaited…

What Else Was Hiding Here?

What Else Was Hiding Here?

What They Found There

There was no chance of them ever forgetting their first finds so they became eager about any and every discovery. This time, the suitcase contained something very different. This time no wax paper nor cash were in sight.

Screenshot 9

What They Found There

The Final Count

What else could possibly be in their basement and how has there been so much to find? Once again, he awaited his wife’s arrival before opening his find. This was becoming somewhat of a ritual for the pair.

A Secret Door

A Secret Door

Big Secrets

Looks-wise the suitcase was once again green and yellow, like the first one. Did it contain the same thing as the original one too? Well, the couple wasted not a second once she arrived home.

Big Secrets

Big Secrets

Finding Hiding Spots

The case was packed with neatly placed money. They were in utter awe. How much could it be this time? They had to know what else was hidden in their home. The discovery was even larger and more valuable than the last find…

Finding Hiding Spots

Finding Hiding Spots

He Felt Nervous

The pair were in disbelief of their luck. They had this batch appraised and were told that the money was, in fact, worth $45,000. Mortgage debts no more!! The couple had stumbled upon over $60,000 now.

He Felt Nervous

He Felt Nervous

What Else Would They Uncover?

With tons of emotions and utter gratitude- the couple were now more determined than ever to finish their renovation. At this point, let’s be honest it’s not so much about the renovation. However, they did want their ideas and improvements to be brought to life. They progressed on to even more discoveries…

Screenshot 7

What Else Would They Uncover?

Another Big Mystery

As the renovations continued they were constantly wondering if they would find another discovery and exactly what was in store for them. What other secrets lay between the walls of their new home? Well, whatever it was they ould soon find out…

Another Big Mystery

Another Big Mystery

Full Of Secrets

since they had discovered some of the secrets, the married pair were determined to keep exploring. Their determination grew as they decided and pondered on another location in their household.

Screenshot 4

Full Of Secrets

A Secret Door

The pair had discovered another random find in their home, how they did not see this before moving in we do not know but it was interesting. The second floor housed a weird door and as they owned and entered it was a somewhat weird confined space.

What They Found There

What They Found There

Tearing Down The Door

The door was supposedly home to the hot water heater. However, they were in full investigator mode and thought maybe that’s not all it housed. The perfect spot for something of value.

Tearing Down The Door

Tearing Down The Door

He Found More Mysteries

The pair decided it was time to have a search. They were right, oh boy, spot-on in fact. They had stumbled upon the largest and most exciting secret of all. Their realtor had completely fooled the and something else was hidden in there.

He Found More Mysteries

He Found More Mysteries

They Were Fooled

It turned out that the supposed “water heater” room was nothing more than a ploy meant to trick the new owner of the house. It was supposed to trick them into thinking this was just another ordinary house. When the door was cracked open slightly, the couple couldn’t believe what they were seeing on the other side.

Screenshot 10

They Were Fooled

Hidden Room

There was a hidden room. It was much larger than they had anticipated. With some carpet pieces, there was yet another surprise that the couple would have never expected. The man told his wife to hang back seeing as he didn’t have a clue what he was about to find going inside.

Screenshot 1

Hidden Room

Door Number Two

He began wondering about it. His mind raced to all kinds of different scenarios. What could possibly be behind that door? Just think for a moment and take time to imagine: if your house had an entire section you didn’t know about in the first place, what would you be thinking? What could be inside?

Screenshot 11

Door Number Two

Something Sinister

The door just so happened to be locked with a master lock and secured with a bolt on top of it. All the same, the man refused to give up. He was determined to figure out what was behind the mysterious door. Quickly, he rushed downstairs and got a hammer. As soon as he got back, he started pounding.

Something Sinister

Something Sinister

They Couldn’t Handle This Alone

Aside from that, the man clearly saw that the room was used for a long time. Someone clearly tried their best to hide it from anyone else. The room was in terrible shape, covered in mold and smelling awful. It was still too dark to tell what it actually was.

They Couldn't Handle This Alone

They Couldn’t Handle This Alone

Uh Oh

Even though the homeowners already lived in that house for a couple of years, this was the very first time they’d gone down there. Why would they have to soundproof the room in the first place? One terrible reason immediately came to their minds.

Screenshot 1

Uh Oh

More Mysteries Down There

Instantly, their minds went to a bad place; crime, specifically. The walls, the floors, and even the ceiling were all covered in white soundproofing tarp. Why wouldn’t they want people nearby to hear what was happening inside that room? What could have been happening there?

More Mysteries Down There

More Mysteries Down There

What They Found

What could have been stashed in there? While we know he has a penchant for doing a lot of DIY projects, his curiosity wasn’t irrational. He had no idea that his own house was filled with lies and mysteries. Not to mention, he’d been already living in it for a couple of years.

What They Found

What They Found

Full Of Jewels

Naturally, the room was not empty. There was one suitcase on the floor. The man hesitated for a moment. He paused and collected his racing thoughts. However, a few seconds later, his curiosity got the best of him. He quickly grabbed the suitcase.

Full Of Jewels

Full Of Jewels

The Strange Safe

Let’s keep in mind that places that typically have hiding spots are usually places where something is very off. What started as an enjoyable home renovation project took a very dark turn the moment he broke the lock and went inside the room to take a look.

Screenshot 12

The Strange Safe

Hidden Inside

What he found inside the suitcase was absolutely shocking. There was an old wooden box, envelopes filled with money from all sorts of different countries, several watches, rings, a jewelry box, and 4 10oz silver ingots. Why were those people hiding their most prized possessions? Who were they hiding it all from?

The Strange Safe

Hidden Inside

What Was Going On Here?

The door the man got through wound up leading to another door. The next room had white plastic tarp everywhere along with heavy soundproofing material. Something about all that didn’t feel right to him. It almost felt like it was right out of a movie. Was it some kind of torture chamber?

What Was Going On Here?

What Was Going On Here?

A Terrifying Note

As the two were looking around the room, something caught their eye that cleared some stuff up about the room’s past. They found out why they had to call the authorities immediately as they looked through all the relics they discovered.

A Terrifying Note

A Terrifying Note

He Was Terrified

As they kept looking around the room, the couple started uncovering even more strange things inside. First, they found the old briefcase. Seeing how lucky they got with the first two, they were sure that luck was still on their side and it would keep on going.

He Was Terrified

He Was Terrified

One More Warning

Soon, however, they would learn how far off they were. There was nothing good inside this new briefcase they found. It was obvious that they found this out the hard way, unlike the first two suitcases. Just like they did when unpacking the other briefcases, the couple documented all they found in this suitcase.

One More Warning

One More Warning

An Unsettling Detail

They knew this is an experience they wouldn’t soon want to forger. They were so curious about what was inside this third briefcase, so they wasted no time before opening it to take a look inside. It seemed to be filled with someone’s valuables. They saw some expensive-looking antique jewelry; a ring, some watches, and 4 silver ingots.

An Unsettling Detail

An Unsettling Detail

They Needed The Police

Something else was inside as well. They caught a glimpse of some envelopes full of money from different countries. As they kept looking, they found a black Sentry safe tucked away in the corner of the room. That was the moment they started getting skeptical.

They Needed The Police

They Needed The Police

Some Disturbing Footage

What could possibly be hidden inside a secret safe that’s inside a room within another secret room? Something was very suspicious about all the secrecy and mystery surrounding the house. He started feeling a little uneasy. He knew there was no chance of the safe containing money or jewelry. He had already found all those things in the briefcases earlier.

Some Disturbing Footage

Some Disturbing Footage

An Investigation Of Epic Proportions

He was sure that it wasn’t something he’s going to be happy to find. Everything inside seemed to be valuable, but why were all those things in a room that was so expertly and carefully hidden? They obviously felt like the room was made to hide even more secrets.

An Investigation Of Epic Proportions

An Investigation Of Epic Proportions

The FBI Is Here To Help

It turns out that the couple was absolutely right about their intuition. He decided to put all the scary thoughts he was having in the back of his mind and just open the safe. When he finally cracked it open, he discovered a note that was more than enough to confirm his worst suspicions. All that was written on the piece of paper were the words ‘Save yourself’.

The FBI Is Here To Help

The FBI Is Here To Help