An Indiana woman has been charged after authorities alleged she failed to care for her bedridden husband, who later died from malnutrition and other medical complications.
Woman Accused of Neglect
Rebecca Dewey, 62, was arrested on May 28 and charged with neglect of a dependent resulting in death following the death of her husband, 62-year-old Melvin Dewey.
Police began investigating after Rebecca reported finding her husband dead at their Terre Haute home on Jan. 27.
Husband Needed Full-Time Care
According to investigators, Melvin Dewey suffered from dementia and had experienced multiple strokes. Medical professionals had determined that he was unable to care for himself after being discharged from a hospital earlier that month.
Authorities said he had been bedridden since returning home.
Investigation Raised Questions
Police said Rebecca gave several inconsistent statements about her husband’s final days. Investigators also found evidence suggesting she had spent much of her time away from the home and was frequently staying with another man.
Cellphone records reportedly showed her phone was rarely at the residence in the days leading up to her husband’s death.
Autopsy Findings
An autopsy found that Melvin Dewey suffered from malnutrition and severe skin breakdown before he died.
Rebecca Dewey is being held on a $50,000 cash bond. Her next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 27.
