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Elderly Man's Mailbox Note Leads to Caregiver's Arrest
3 Jan
Summary
- Caregiver allegedly strangled elderly patient after argument.
- Victim was locked in room and robbed of keys, phone, and money.
- Mail carrier found victim's note and alerted police, leading to arrest.
A disturbing incident unfolded in Lantana, Florida, where a caregiver is accused of violently assaulting and robbing an elderly man she was hired to assist. Denise Williams, 60, allegedly engaged in a physical altercation with the 81-year-old victim on December 28, culminating in an attempt to strangle him in his bed. Following the attack, Williams reportedly confiscated the victim's car keys, cell phone, and disconnected the home's landlines, effectively isolating him.
To seek help, the victim ingeniously penned a "Call the Police" note and placed it on his mailbox. Fortunately, a mail carrier spotted the message on December 29 and promptly contacted law enforcement. Williams was subsequently arrested and faces charges including robbery by sudden snatching, battery on an elderly person, elderly exploitation, and tampering with a victim. She is being held on a $110,000 bond.
The victim, a Navy veteran, had employed Williams as a live-in caregiver for over two years. Despite the trauma, he expressed sympathy for Williams, acknowledging her potential lack of options. This case highlights the critical importance of vigilance and reporting in combating elder abuse.
