MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Thieves are pillaging a burned Cordova mansion, the former home of music legend Isaac Hayes.
"Originally they had a gate across right after it burned down, which I guess the fire department put up, but now it's not there anymore," said Cynthia King.
Last May, the 7200 square ft. home was seriously damaged by a massive fire. Our crew was able to walk right into the home.
The fountain in the living room, surrounded by charred debris, still has water in it. Mold is everywhere inside the house. The house is filthy and wide open to anyone. Neighbors wonder why it's still standing.
"Being unsafe as it is I'm surprised they haven't condemned it and torn it down by now," said Frank King, who lives nearby.
Shelby County Public Affairs Officer Steve Shular says when the fire occurred, the home was in Shelby county. After annexation, it now sits in the city of Memphis.
"We're going to get two code agencies together to find out what they can do. That's all going to be rested on how quickly we can get the Fire Marshall case taken care of," Shular said.
The current owners are Doris and Kenneth Peters, who were unavailable for comment. What's left of their once grand home, nine months later, is still the scene of an investigation. So for now, this dangerous eyesore stays put.
"Honestly it's kind of creepy. I prefer if they like just knocked it down and rebuilt something in its place because it's not very pretty to look at either," said a neighbor who lives nearby.
