Remembering the Disabled Murdered by Caregivers
Suspect arrested and/or charged; trial pending or no trial information.
Name: Rishonda “Nickie” Jones.
Died: February 8, 1988.
Age at death: 15.
Cause of death: Starvation.
Location: Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Disability: Arthritis, scoliosis.
Details:
Rishonda died of starvation and infected bedsores.
She was an honor student who liked to write poetry and short stories.
Case status:
Michelle Jones (Mother); charged with manslaughter and child cruelty.
Source:
Woman pays to bury starvation victim
Probe starvation of disabled teen
Name: Aaron Norman.
Died: December 20, 1987.
Age at death: 10.
Cause of death: Diabetes.
Location: Mead, Washington, USA.
Disability: Juvenile diabetes.
Details:
Aaron’s parents abused him and denied him medical treatment. He died of untreated diabetes, aggravated by being beaten with a board.
Case status:
Bob Norman (Father), manslaughter, 41 months.
Judith Norman (Mother), charged with homicide.
Doug Kleber (Leader, No-Name Fellowship), convicted of second-degree criminal mistreatment, sentenced to 3 years.
Four elders in the No-Name Fellowship were charged with criminal mistreatment; one convicted.
Name: Linda Sue Helton.
Died: January 6, 1986.
Age at death: 45.
Cause of death: Gunshot.
Location: Precott, Arkansas, USA.
Disability: Intellectual disability.
Details:
Linda was allegedly shot by her mother, who called it a “mercy killing”.
Case status:
Esther Helton (Mother); charged with murder.
Source:
Woman Charged In Death Of Mentally Retarded Daughter