The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A West Virginia woman was charged after her husband died following an alleged 19-hour forced stay in a bathroom, where authorities said he was unable to get off the toilet without help.
According to reports, the 76-year-old man had several serious medical conditions, including dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and legal blindness, and his 75-year-old wife had been his caregiver.
The incident reportedly occurred at the couple’s home in Morgantown. The man was reportedly found unresponsive during a home visit from a speech therapist. The therapist called 911, and the man was taken to a hospital, where he died ten days later.
The authorities said when he arrived at the hospital, the man had sepsis, heart failure, and wounds on his buttocks. An autopsy revealed that the injuries he got while he was stuck on the toilet contributed to his death.
Deputies said when they talked to his wife, she told them her husband went to the bathroom around 3 p.m. the previous day and was not capable of standing on his own. She said when she tried to help him she was unable, and she alleged left her husband in the bathroom for about 19 hours.
The man reportedly groaned in pain and eventually became unresponsive. The authorities said his wife did not call 911 or anyone else for assistance, and did not give him any food, water or his medications.
Investigators said when they spoke to the woman, she made statements indicating that she knew her husband needed medical care but chose not to provide it.
She was charged with abuse of an incapacitated adult with a substantial risk of death. She was arrested Tuesday and later posted a $75,000 bond.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a domestic violence offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.