Jones murder case could be landmark
What could be a precedent-setting murder case is scheduled to begin Thursday when a local care-giver goes on trial for allegedly killing an elderly, mentally handicapped man by depriving him of food and water.
The defendant, Dorene Jones, 48, is charged with second-degree murder for the September, 2001 death of Fletcher B. Anderson, 67. Jones was charged after autopsy reports revealed Anderson allegedly died from a combination of malnutrition, dehydration and hypothermia. Police said the victim looked like he had “been in a concentration camp” given his frail state just before his death.
Along with his gaunt appearance, investigators said Anderson had a body temperature of 80 degrees and a blood sugar count of 20 when he was brought in for treatment. He died a few days after being admitted to the hospital. He was first hospitalized last September when Jones called an ambulance because she found him unresponsive.
The subsequent investigation revealed Jones had taken charge of Anderson in 2000. She was a former employee of a local boarding home which went out of business. Jones had reached an agreement with the boarding home to take custody of Anderson. The victim suffered from schizophrenia and needed constant care.
According to Jones’ attorney, Public Defender Dan Bryant, the court may be walking on new ground with the case since he has been unable to find prior murder cases similar to the one being tried Thursday.
“There’s been cases where people have been tried for neglect of children which has led to their deaths,” Bryant said. “But, I’m not finding any cases where an adult has died from neglect and another person has been charged. This could be a landmark case.”
Jones faces 15 to 25 years in prison if convicted.
Jury selection begins at 9 a.m. Thursday before Circuit Court Judge Bart Stanley. The trial is expected to last three days. It is not known whether the third day, if needed, will be held on Saturday or postponed for the weekend and finished the following Monday.