Authorities have made no arrests in the case of a 78-year-old Martinez woman who may have been suffering with sepsis due to neglect.
The woman’s son, Roy Vernon, 58, of Cavalier Drive, told Columbia County deputies that when he does attempt to provide care for his mother, she screams in pain and that it has become “too much” for him, according to the incident report.
Dawn Hawkins of Adult Protective Services told deputies that, in her opinion, the woman, who is disabled, had not been receiving the proper care for some time.
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Deputies observed the woman lying in a urine-soaked bed with sheets that appeared not to have been changed in several days.
Gold Cross personnel transported the woman to Doctor’s Hospital on Dec. 17 and told Columbia County deputies that they believed she was septic at the time of the transfer, according to the incident report.
The CDC describes sepsis as a life-threatening medical emergency, stating that “without timely treatment, sepsis can rapidly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.”
This case is still under investigation.
Anna Virella is a correspondent with The Augusta Press. Reach her at anna@theaugustapress.com.
