February 5, 2010
26–year–old Stephanie Hernandez was escorted away in handcuffs after being accused of what Madera authorities describe as months of neglect and abuse.
"I've never seen a case like this before," Madera County District Attorney Michael Keitz said.
Back in December, Madera police were called to the home of 90–year–old Maria Lopez, who had died by the time they got there.
"When the police department got into the residence and started looking at it, they realized that it's the potential for elder abuse type of case," Keitz said.
According to the Madera Tribune, autopsy reports indicate Lopez was emaciated and weighed just 35 pounds when she was found dead in a fetal position, covered in open bed sores; some so deep they exposed muscle and hip bones.
"It must've been going on for quite some time," Keitz said.
Her caregiver and great niece, Stephanie Hernandez was arrested Wednesday afternoon.
"These kinds of crimes are something that I take and the Madera County District Attorney's office takes very seriously. And we will do whatever we can to prosecute them to the fullest," Keitz said.
Hernandez is charged with elder abuse, involuntary manslaughter, perjury and forgery.
Her three–year–old child was turned over to Child Protective Services after she was arrested.
And she was allegedly being paid about $900 a month to take care of her great aunt as an in–home–care provider.
Hernandez is set to be arraigned in Madera County court Friday.
SOURCE: KMPH.COM
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