Police say their fraud unit is not involved in the probe and that the investigation is a coroner's case. The coroner says he is jointly investigating with police.

No charges have been laid.

Dennis says Wald had diabetes and a few other health problems. The last time she saw him, he looked sickly and was having a hard time walking. She'd become fond of the highly religious man who drove around the city in a blue Astro van covered in "Jesus Loves You" messages. He'd even carved a cross from the plastic of both headlights so they shone the symbol when he drove at night.

In a photo from Google in 2011, a blue, decorated van can be seen outside of the house. Neighbours say that sometime after Wald was last seen, the van was moved to the back of the home and has been painted over.

Dennis said, since the last time she saw Wald, his six children and wife, who had lived there at least 10 years, became reclusive, avoiding people on the street and refusing to answer questions about Wald.

"After a while, no one would talk to me," she said.

Dennis and her husband say they also observed strange behaviour from the family. In one instance several weeks ago, they watched them gather in the back yard, wearing dark cloaks, dancing and chanting.

She said she heard the words the group was speaking and they had to do with repelling the devil.

Dennis says Wald was a "great person" who volunteered with Good Shepherd and fixed bikes for children in the area.

The family could not be reached for comment. Neighbours say they are staying with relatives in the Niagara region.

According to the Ontario Coroner's Act, any sudden or unexpected death must be reported to police.

rgrover@thespec.com

905-526-3404 | @RosieSpec