Detectives spent Tuesday morning digging on the property of a Lake Alfred home after officials said a woman confessed to burying her husband in their herb garden.

Officials said the woman, Barbara Scott, 64, went to the Lake Alfred Police Department on Monday night and said her husband, Benny Scott, 77, died in January and she didn't report his death.

Scott told authorities she buried her husband in the garden of their home in the 200 block of S. Goodman Avenue, then began to tell friends who called for him that he was in Oklahoma or that he had a throat issue and couldn't talk.

Officials said her alleged cover up fell apart when her daughter became suspicious and confronted her. She confessed her actions to her daughter.

Detectives said Scott was calm as she showed them where the body was buried.

“She seemed calm, almost relieved that it was coming to a close,” said Polk Co. Sheriff’s Office Capt. Jim Elensky.

Deputies say Benny Scott's body was buried in the east portion of the backyard near the back door in a grave approximately 3 to 4 feet deep beneath an herb garden.

Neighbor William Bearden says the Scotts lived in the house for the past two years and were good neighbors.

According to Bearden, Barbara liked to garden but Bennie didn’t seem happy to leave his home in Oklahoma.

Bearden says he thought Benny was back in Oklahoma and was shocked that he was, in fact, next door the whole time.
 
“I’m still having a hard time believing this is all happening,” he said. “We were all close, that’s what I’m saying. It’s just weird and I’m not sure how to respond.”

The cause of death is unknown at this time. An autopsy will be completed Wednesday.

Investigators are working to find out why Scott kept the death a secret in the first place.
 
Polk County investigators say no charges have been filed against Scott at this time.
   
Officials say she has been cooperating with the investigation and has retained an attorney.