ROSAMOND – A Rosamond woman has been arrested in connection with the death of her 81-year-old mother, who suffered from severe neglect and died Friday, authorities said.
Shelly Ann Freeman, 46, was arrested Friday night on suspicion of murder and felony elder abuse, according to Ray Pruitt, spokesman for the Kern County sheriff’s office. Freeman is being held without bail, Kern County inmate records show.
The investigation began Friday morning when Rosamond deputies were dispatched to Antelope Valley Hospital at the request of Adult Protective Services for a report of elder abuse, according to a news release from the Kern County sheriff’s office.
“Deputies arrived and found an 81-year-old female suffering from severe neglect. Homicide detectives were notified and assumed the investigation,” sheriff’s officials said in the news release.
Detectives then served a search warrant at a home in the 2300 block of Panorama Lane in Rosamond and found “evidence of elder abuse, including unsanitary conditions and severe neglect,” the sheriff’s news release states.
The 81-year-old woman died at 7:38 p.m. Friday.
Freeman was interviewed by detectives and then arrested late Friday night in connection with her mother’s death. She is due in court Tuesday. No further information was immediately available.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact the Kern County Sheriff’s Office at (661) 861-3110 or Secret Witness at (661) 322-4040.
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UPDATE: The victim has been identified as 81-year-old Carmen Freeman. On July 16, Carmen Freeman was transported from her residence on the 2300 block of Panorama Lane to Antelope Valley Hospital, where she died at 7:38 p.m. July 17, according to the Kern County coroner’s office. A postmortem examination will be performed this week to determine cause and manner of death, coroner’s officials said.
Cynthia says
This horrible woman allowed her own mother to suffer for so long, while she collected her money. Then, only called authorities when she absolutely had to. She had to know that her mother would die, and probably leave her estate to her care-giver daughter. Wouldn’t that constitute pre-meditated murder? Lets hope the DA looks very closely at this one.
Nancy P says
They can be so cruel because they are (were) probably getting paid to take care of their own Mother and wanted the money. They could care less about the Mother. Happens way to often! I wonder if Mom called for help or someone else.
Kelly says
I truly under stand your concern. But if you have never had the pleasure of having a power of attorney for a loved one then don’t be so quick to judge. I have a POA for my mom and sister and I’m checked and investigated at least once ever three month by state and federal gov/offices. They want to make shure I spend there money on them and not myself. I’ve learned that a woman can’t get her hair done for less then a $100.00 dollars. So I also spend out of pocket for them also. I had to fight adult protective services in court just to move them to the best home I could find. I won and yes A.P.S. SUCKS and lied in court. There excuse was there home didn’t make enough money yet.
Johnny Trece says
That’s a very sad way to die. I hate uncompassionate, ungrateful punks.
Irish says
Only in America!
Mrs M says
Only in the UK!
http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/sep/08/elderly-abuse-carer-relative
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2445112/Elderly-abuse-soars-28–culprits-face-justice.html
Just 2 examples, Irish.
PLW says
God bless her soul!! I hate to hear stories like this!! How can anyone be so damn cruel to a human being let alone their own MOTHER! I hope she rots in hell as she deserves it.