What is going on over in Germany? This would be an interesting story if this was an isolated incident, but Reuters reports that:

Germany often reports cases of people lying dead in their homes for months or years before discovery, a phenomenon sociologists attribute to mounting social isolation and the disintegration of the family.

Often? How often is often? Germany must smell pretty damn bad these days if, often, corpses are lying dead for years before discovery. I know what this says about German social structure, but more importantly, perhaps, what does it say about German olfactory senses?

Amazingly, authorities have found and arrested a suspect in this murder. Say what you want about Germans, they are a damn efficient lot.

Man Lies Dead in Bed for Nearly Three Years
Mon Jun 30, 8:54 AM ET

BERLIN (Reuters) - A German man lay dead in his bed for almost three years before being found, police said Friday.

A post mortem revealed the man, in his 50s, had suffered serious head injuries, suggesting murder.

"We're assuming he was murdered in September 2000," said Christiane Leven, police spokeswoman in the northern city of Hamburg. Police have arrested a 30-year-old careworker who used to look after the wheelchair-bound man.

Police discovered the remains of the corpse Thursday after breaking into the man's apartment when neighbors complained of a strange smell.

Germany often reports cases of people lying dead in their homes for months or years before discovery, a phenomenon sociologists attribute to mounting social isolation and the disintegration of the family.

The efficient banking system also means people's bills and pensions can continue to be paid long after they die.