A nursing assistant at a senior living facility in Augusta has been charged with aggravated battery and exploitation of an elderly or disabled person after an assault on an 82-year-old resident led to his death last month.
Curtis Hightower III, 28, of Augusta, is accused of striking Harry Millard, a resident at Barclay House Senior Living, on the night of Jan. 5. The incident was initially reported as a fall, but after an internal review of video footage, facility management determined that Millard was assaulted by Hightower, causing him to fall outside of his room.
Millard was transported to Piedmont Augusta Hospital following the incident and was admitted for treatment of his injuries. He was pronounced dead on Jan. 17.
The Richmond County Coroner’s Office launched an investigation into Millard’s death after receiving a report from the Sheriff’s Office on Jan. 30. Authorities have confirmed that the assault likely contributed to the fatal injuries.
Kristen Ryan, the executive director at Barclay Senior Living, told officers that Hightower, who had been employed at the facility through a staffing agency, is no longer working there. She explained that after reviewing surveillance footage of the incident, management determined that Hightower struck Millard, leading to the fatal fall.
Deputy D. Whelchel of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office responded to the facility on Jan. 29 to investigate the past assault. Hightower was not available for an interview, but authorities confirmed he had been terminated from his position.
The charges against Hightower include aggravated battery and exploitation of an elderly or disabled person. He remains under investigation as the case continues to develop.
(If you have a photo of Mr. Hightower to share, please text it to 803-487-3224.)
