Death of disabled woman living ‘in squalor’ declared a major crime
Police are investigating the death of a Port Augusta woman who died three days after being found in a serious condition with infected open wounds in her home.
Paramedics were called to 26-year-old woman’s Edinburgh Terrace home on October 24 after she fell and was unable to be returned to her chair.
The woman, who police say had physical and intellectual disabilities, was found to be “seriously ill with significant infected wounds”.
She was taken to Port Augusta Hospital but a day later her condition worsened and she was taken to the Royal Adelaide Hospital, where she died on October 28.
Major Crime Detective Superintendent Des Bray said the house was “not fit for human habitat, in my view”.
“There are significant indicators of criminal neglect, but it is not yet clear if that caused the woman’s death,” he said.
“Because of this there is a simultaneous criminal and coronial investigation underway that involves a significant commitment of resources.
“The criminal investigation will examine the role of everyone who was involved in the provision of care to the victim and to determine if anyone is criminally responsible for the death. I expect that will take some time.”
Stay informed, daily
Bray said the victim’s disabilities were such that she required ongoing care but was not under the NDIS.
“The disabilities that the victim had were of such that she would have been an ideal person to be under the NDIS, and to receive whatever support was available from any other agency,” he said.
Bray said the woman’s family had been cooperating with the investigation. Anyone with information is asked to ring CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.
