Jones gets 21 years for starving man to death
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The defendant, Doreen Jones, 49, was instructed to serve 21 years in prison by Circuit Court Judge Bart Stanley following a sentencing hearing Wednesday. Jones was convicted earlier this year on the charge of second-degree murder for the neglect and starvation death of Fletcher Anderson, 68.
During trial prosecutors proved Jones failed to provide food and water for the victim, resulting in his ultimate death. Jones had earlier taken Anderson from a boarding house where she formerly worked and was his care-giver. Anderson suffered from schizophrenia.
Prosecutors, in presenting disturbing pictures of the victim, told the jury Anderson weighed just 81 pounds when he was seen in the emergency room at River Park Hospital shortly before his death. They believe Jones used Anderson’s government check to buy alcohol and spend on herself while neglecting to properly care for him. Evidence was also introduced that Jones often locked Anderson inside a room with no food or bathroom facilities.
During sentencing, prosecutors contended Anderson’s death was not the first time Jones had taken advantage of a senior citizen. Prosecutors pointed to an earlier case where Jones stole money from a 75-year-old victim.
Jones will be required to serve 100 percent of her 21-year sentence since the crime is listed under the violent offender statute which does not allow for early release.