If you have recently watched “Worst Neighbor Ever” on Netflix, you might believe you understand the disturbing nature of Caroline Herrling’s case. However, there is much more to the story than what is depicted on the show.
The docuseries investigates the disappearance of Charles Wilding, reported missing in 2021. This eventually led detectives to the Los Angeles residence of Caroline Herrling, who had been masquerading as the trustee of his estate.
The show briefly covers some of the findings from the police search of Herrling’s home, but court documents reveal a more extensive and unsettling list of items than what was shown. This paints a picture that extends beyond a single missing person’s case.
Investigators recovered 16 firearms from Herrling’s property, including handguns, a shotgun, AR-15-style rifles, and several unregistered ‘ghost guns’ that were untraceable. Some weapons were reportedly loaded, with one ghost gun found next to Herrling’s bed.
In addition to the firearms, police discovered significant quantities of drugs such as methamphetamine, heroin, and psilocybin mushrooms, along with drug-dealing paraphernalia like digital scales and empty plastic bags, suspected to be for narcotics packaging.
The case was further distinguished by a vast collection of fraudulent materials.
Officers unearthed a large cache of fake identity documents, including driver’s licenses, California state ID cards, Social Security cards, birth certificates, passports, and credit cards belonging to others. Some fake identification cards were reportedly still being produced at the time of the search.
Investigators also found a machine designed to artificially age documents, potentially used for creating convincing forged wills and trust documents. Alongside this was a CNC signature robot kit, accompanied by practice versions of signatures, which prosecutors claimed were used to forge estate paperwork.
In addition, police recovered counterfeit US Savings Bonds, along with documents linked to other alleged fraud victims, including records related to another deceased woman’s estate and documentation tied to Robert Tascon, another victim reportedly defrauded by Herrling.
The search also uncovered three realistic law enforcement badges resembling those used by the DEA, the US Diplomatic Security Service, and a Beverly Hills Police Department detective.
In March 2024, Caroline Herrling pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud. She was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison and ordered to pay approximately $3.8 million in restitution to her victims.
“Worst Neighbor Ever” is available to stream on Netflix now.
Charles Wilding Jr. passes away, with investigators unable to determine the cause of death. His neighbors in Sherman Oaks, Los Angeles, are oblivious, as Wilding was known as a private man.
Later that fall, Caroline Herrling arrives at the property, informing neighbors that Wilding is with friends in Carpinteria, while she renovates his home.
After three months without seeing Wilding, neighbors request a welfare check from the LAPD.
Herrling reiterates her story to the police and provides a non-functioning landline number. Meanwhile, Adult Protective Services (APS) are conducting their investigation.
A caseworker reports having spoken to someone they believed was Wilding, leading APS to close their investigation.
The LAPD receives an anonymous tip-off that Wilding is deceased, and his death is unreported due to financial exploitation.
The ensuing police investigation uncovers forged documents and individuals impersonating Wilding over the phone.
Authorities obtain a federal search warrant for Herrling’s locations on Beverly Glen Boulevard and in West Hills.
They discover stolen and forged driver’s licenses, birth certificates, and passports, along with psilocybin mushrooms, heroin, methamphetamine, and 16 firearms.
Herrling’s accomplice Matthew Jason Kroth confesses to breaking into Wilding’s home, finding him dead, and stealing from him.
Kroth admits to initially selecting Wilding’s home due to its neglected appearance, first breaking in while Wilding was alive and posing as conducting a welfare check. He returned months later to find Wilding deceased.
Herrling pleads guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, while Kroth pleads guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
Sentencing documents reveal gruesome details. Herrling and her accomplices attempted to dissolve Wilding’s body in acid, before dismembering it, sealing it in vacuum bags, and discarding it in the San Francisco Bay. Wilding’s remains were never recovered.
Herrling receives a 20-year prison sentence and must pay $3.88 million in restitution.
Kroth is sentenced to 200 months in prison and must pay $1.95 million in restitution.