Fayetteville woman found in neglect died, police say

Evelyn Schafer
Evelyn Schafer

FAYETTEVILLE -- An elderly Fayetteville woman who police say was being abused by two caretaker relatives has died.

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Rose Austin

Mildred Lee Austin, 85, passed away July 23 in Springdale, according to her obituary.

Rose Mary Austin, 75, and Evelyn Schafer, 54, both of Fayetteville, were arrested June 20 in connection with felony abuse of an endangered or impaired person after authorities found Mildred Austin unresponsive and covered in feces and trash at their home, according to a preliminary arrest report.

Austin and Schafer entered not guilty pleas June 25 in Washington County Circuit Court. Austin is to appear before Circuit Judge Mark Lindsay on Sept. 14. Schafer is to appear before Circuit Judge Joanna Taylor on Sept. 27.

Mieka Hatcher, deputy prosecutor, said Friday she's waiting for the results of an autopsy before she decides whether the charges against Austin and Schafer will be amended.

Firefighters were called to the home June 19 over concerns about Mildred Austin's breathing, according to the report. Firefighters struggled to get in because stacks of newspapers and magazines blocked the door. They found Mildred Austin on a couch clothed only in a shirt, covered in feces and barely breathing, according to the report.

Mildred Austin's socks were stuck to her feet. She had deep lacerations on her legs and wounds to her back and side, according to the report.

Police, firefighters and Washington Regional Medical Center staff all described the injuries as the worst they had seen, according to the report.

Rose Mary Austin, described in the report as the woman's caregiver, told police her sister fell June 13 and was placed on the couch where she remained for several days. Evelyn Schafer was identified as the elderly woman's daughter.

NW News on 08/27/2016

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