Elder Abuse Case restarts Because First Jury Couldn't Reach Verdict

 Aug. 30, 2013

The case against an ex-nursing home worker charged with felony elder abuse will restart after a two-day trial resulted in a hung jury.

Heather Lynn Laird, 36, was accused of pulling a 76-year-old woman’s hair, holding her down and forcing her to take a cup of pills at a Dell Rapids nursing home on Nov. 3. She was also accused of grabbing and pushing on the woman’s breast.

Her public defender told jurors that there was no solid proof the late-night encounter involved violence or that the bruising on the victim’s chest were the result of abuse, as opposed to a fall. The victim didn’t scream, and her roommate didn’t recall the encounter.
After deliberating six hours on Wednesday evening, jurors could not reach a unanimous verdict of guilt or acquittal.

Minnehaha County State’s Attorney Aaron McGowan said the case will restart, possibly resulting in a second jury trial.
Laird was charged with one count of abuse or neglect of an elderly adult. The charge carries a possible two-year prison sentence

SOURCE:         The Argus Leader

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