One of the three nursing home employees indicted in the death of a WWII veteran has surrendered to authorities in Georgia.
Wanda Nuckles, 61, turned herself in to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office on Friday, Feb. 23, a sheriff spokeswoman told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Nuckles was a licensed practical nurse when James Dempsey, 89, was found dead in his room at Northeast Atlanta Rehabilitation Center four years ago.
Hidden footage revealed that Dempsey had called for help just before he died but he was ignored by Nuckles and two other nurses.
The video showed the three women laughing at the World War II vet.
They are also accused of trying to cover up their neglect, which was only revealed when the footage emerged recently.
“Video surveillance shows the patient suffering in respiratory distress and repeatedly calling out for help. Soon after his distress calls, the victim became unresponsive,” the DeKalb County District Attorney’s Office said in a statement Wednesday, reported UPI.
“The indictment alleges the Defendants, in varying degrees, failed to provide timely and necessary medical assistance, ultimately resulting in Mr. Dempsey’s death.”
Dempsey’s family had placed the hidden camera in his room because they were anxious about his staying in a nursing home, his son told WSB-TV.
“We would have just thought it was natural causes and everything was done that should have been done and he passed away in his sleep,” Tim Dempsey said, referring to what would have happened if they had not placed the camera in the room.
Attorney Michael Prieto, who is representing the Dempsey family, said that the main problem is covering up what happened.
“If they made a mistake then a person of integrity stands up and says I made mistake and you deal with the consequences that certainly hasn’t happened in this case,” Prieto said.
Nuckles was charged with Depriving an Elder Person of Essential Services. Loyce Agyeman was charged with Felony Murder and Neglect to an Elder Person. Mable Turman was charged with Neglect to an Elder Person. All three women were also charged with Concealing the Death of Another.
Agyeman and Turman are still at large, the sheriff spokeswoman said.
From NTD.tv
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