A 67-year-old Walnut Ridge man has been arrested after authorities said his wife was found in severe neglect and later died, according to a probable-cause affidavit.
Randolph S. McKenzie is being held on a $10,000 cash or surety bond after a judge found probable cause to charge him with neglect of a vulnerable person, a Class D felony.
On Jan. 15, a Medic One ambulance responded to a report of a woman having a seizure at an apartment in the 900 block of Free Street. Paramedics contacted police after discovering the 72-year-old victim lying on a concrete floor in unsanitary conditions, according to the affidavit.
The victim was transported to a hospital in Jonesboro and later transferred to a long-term care facility, where she died seven days later.
Investigators said McKenzie told paramedics the victim had been on the floor for two to three days before he called for help. He reportedly indicated he delayed seeking medical assistance due to concerns about the cost.
Authorities also reported McKenzie attempted to manage conditions inside the residence by using cat litter.
A warrant for McKenzie’s arrest was issued March 25. He was arrested the following day and booked into the Lawrence County Detention Center.
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