Death Non-disclosure of major crime at the house we recently bought

[gealach]

We found out today that a major crime occurred at the house 12 months before we purchased it.

The selling realtor didn't disclose. I don't know yet if the previous owner disclosed to their realtor or not. Either way, this information was deliberately withheld from us - by the previous owner, their realtor, or both.

The previous owner's brother murdered their father in the master bedroom, then committed suicide in the garage. 12 months & 10 days before we took possession of my very first home, as a first-time homeowner.

If we had known that a murder-suicide occurred here, we wouldn't have looked at the place, much less bought it. Especially with our own family history of murder. My sibling murdered my 3 year old niece, and my 5 year old nephew was murdered later that same year, so I definitely don't want to live in a murder house.

I don't know if the non-disclosure broke the law or not. I contacted my realtor, and he's going to look into that. He's going to consult with the company lawyer also.

Even if the non-disclosure is strictly legal, it's not moral or ethical. As victims of homicide ourselves, it's retraumatizing to now be living in someone else's murder house.

I feel deceived. This house feels dirty.

 

[Movingforward10]

Gosh, that is incredibly difficult.
home is the place we usually fell most safe. Saying you feel deceived seems a very gracious way of holding this, as it must be incredibly testing.

i’m sorry you are going through this.

 

[Rose White]

Terrible! So glad your realtor is helping you look into it. And glad you are reaching out for help.

 

[Ecdysis]

There are cleansing rituals you can do... not sure whether it's Feng Shui or something similar...

 

[Lucycat]

I am so sorry you are going through this.
Unfortunately many properties have histories that are unpleasant. This is extreme, to say the least, but whether or not disclosure is legally required will depend on local legislation.
What do you want now? Are you wanting to hand the property back for a total refund? Can you stay and put your own positive vibes into the home? Are you simply looking for an apology and acknowledgement that somebody mucked up?

There are no easy answers to this, but I hope you can find a way through that gives you peace.