North Carolina – In a tragic case of neglect, 70-year-old Luis was convicted for the death of his wife, 66-year-old Bonie. The couple had been married for four decades years, residing together in their family home. During the investigation process, authorities discovered that in Oct. 2020, the victim returned home after a hospital stay related to a medical condition that left her wheelchair-bound.
To assist her mobility, the defendant secured her to the wheelchair using a belt. Unfortunately, the elderly woman slipped from the chair onto the floor. Astonishingly, she remained in that position for at lest 6 months. During this period, the man failed to seek medical assistance, later admitting to detectives that both he and the victim were embarrassed by the deplorable conditions inside their residence.
Months after she fell on the floor, the 66-year-old woman expressed difficulty breathing. Instead of calling for help, the 70-year-old man went to another room to watch television. Hours later, he returned to find her unresponsive and finally contacted emergency services. First responders arrived to a distressing scene: the victim was found deceased, lying on a pile of trash, surrounded by spoiled food.
During the trial, prosecutors said the 66-year-old victim was covered in her own w-ste, suffering from extensive sores, some of which had insect activity. The investigation led to the defendant’s arrest, and he was charged with second-degree murder and neglect of a disabled or elder adult resulting in serious physical injury.
The trial commenced at the end of last month and after four days of proceedings, the jury found the man guilty on both counts. Judge Mathew sentenced him to a prison term ranging from seven years and ten months to a maximum of ten years and five months.
This case has highlighted the severe consequences of neglect and the importance of seeking timely medical assistance for vulnerable individuals. Authorities emphasize that if someone suspects an adult is a victim of abuse, neglect, or exploitation, they should contact the Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services’ Adult Protective Services.
The tragic circumstances surrounding the victim’s death serve as a somber reminder of the responsibilities caregivers hold and the devastating outcomes that can result from inaction.
