Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, January 30, 1994 TAG: 9401300167
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: D-13 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: BEDFORD LENGTH: Medium
Bedford County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court Judge Philip A. Wallace handed down the conviction against Betty J. Lynn, 61, on Friday after hearing more than nine hours of testimony. He based his ruling on a 1992 state law that holds those who care for incapacitated adults responsible for their welfare.
Wallace ordered a mental evaluation for Lynn that will take place before her sentencing.
Lynn took care of her mother, Alma F. Christ, 83, for six years.
On Aug. 4, 1993, rescue workers took Christ to Bedford County Memorial Hospital. Hospital officials and rescue workers testified that aside from chronic health problems, Christ had open and bleeding bedsores all over her body and was found lying in her own feces. Officials called the situation life-threatening.
"She was in bad shape," testified Dr. John Meltzer, who examined Christ at the hospital the day before she died. "She was critically ill . . . she had a shocking blood pressure."
Meltzer said Christ was significantly dehydrated, incoherent and had ulcers as well as open bed sores. Christ emitted a body odor he could only describe as "foul" and "putrid."
Malnutrition and dehydration contributed to her death, said Dr. David Oxley, deputy chief medical examiner for southwest Virginia.
Lynn, a small woman who appeared frail and frequently coughed during the trial, seemed confused and fell asleep during parts of the proceeding.
"If it weren't for [Lynn's] condition, I'd be pounding the table for jail time," said Bedford County Commonwealth's Attorney James Updike.
Abuse or neglect of an incapacitated adult is a misdemeanor, carrying a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $2,500 fine.
by CNB