FAYETTEVILLE -- A woman charged with elder abuse for allowing a relative to lie in filth and squalor is mentally competent to proceed, according to the results of mental examination filed Friday in Washington County Circuit Court.
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 Lee Austin, 85, unresponsive and covered in feces and trash at their home, according to a preliminary arrest report. Austin and Schafer entered not guilty pleas.
Mildred Austin has since died.
Rose Mary Austin was found to have dependent personality traits. However, the doctor who examined her found she doesn't suffer from a mental disease or defect and had the capacity to appreciate the criminality of her actions and could conform her conduct to the requirements of the law, according to the report.
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 and barely breathing, 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.
Rose Mary Austin's next court appearance is set for March 1 before Circuit Judge Joanna Taylor. Evelyn Schafer is to appear before Taylor on March 28.
NW News on 01/14/2017