Pa. woman gets probation in mother-in-law's death
September 23, 2008
YORK, Pa. — A south-central Pennsylvania woman was sentenced to two years probation and credited with time served in the death of her elderly mother-in-law.
Frances Donohue, 61, was convicted last month of involuntary manslaughter in the May 2004 death of Bernadette Leiben, 87, who lived with her son and Donohue in Airville. An autopsy determined the bedridden woman died of multiple infections that were brought on by neglect.
The jury acquitted Donohue of first- and third-degree murder charges. Her husband, 73-year-old William Donohue, was acquitted of all charges.
Senior York County Prosecutor Timothy Barker argued at trial that the Donohues secluded Leiben in a second-floor room where she was confined to a bed and denied medical treatment. He said the couple sold Leiben's assets and allowed her to die so they could keep the money.
The case showed how the penalties for elder abuse need to be stiffened, he said.
Abridged
SOURCE: Fort Mills Times - Fort Mill,SC,USA
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