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Couple Gets 4 Years for Neglecting Mother to Death
27 Aug
Summary
- Couple sentenced to four years for criminal negligence.
- Victim lay on floor for up to 10 days without adequate care.
- Death caused by sepsis from infected wounds and hypothermia.
An Edmonton-area couple received four-year prison sentences for criminal negligence in the death of a 76-year-old woman. Dianne Simmons was left on the floor of her daughter and son-in-law's rural property for seven to 10 days without adequate care. Emergency responders found her unresponsive, hypothermic, and suffering from severe wounds.
Simmons died in hospital the day after being admitted, with the cause being multi-organ failure from sepsis, stemming from infected pressure wounds. Justice Kelsey Becker Brookes stated that medical attention should have been sought when Simmons fell, and earlier intervention would have saved her life. The judge noted the prolonged neglect was a marked departure from expected care standards.
While no malice was found, the judge cited aggravating factors including Simmons' dependence on the couple and the preventable nature of her death. Both June Briggs and Richard McElroy were found guilty in October and sentenced on Wednesday at the Edmonton Court of King's Bench.
