SOMERSET, Kentucky – A woman in Kentucky is facing multiple charges of neglect and abuse after her 67-year-old mother died just one day after receiving medical care in a hospital. Abra McDonald, 49, was arrested in June for allegedly abusing and neglecting her mother, Karen McDonald, who was left on the floor of their shared residence for several weeks. The district attorney indicted Abra McDonald on September 6, following a recommendation from a grand jury. She remains in detention on a $250,000 bond.
According to records from the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office, Abra McDonald was initially charged with wanton endangerment in the first degree and two counts of knowing abuse of an adult. Pulaski County Detective Lieutenant Matt Bryant revealed that a medical report determined sepsis as the main cause of Karen McDonald’s death, which was brought on by the “substantial neglect” she suffered after a fall in the home.
The circumstances surrounding why Abra McDonald left her mother unattended for such an extended period of time remain unclear. However, authorities have confirmed that Karen McDonald was left on the floor for weeks before receiving medical attention. The mother and daughter shared the residence where the neglect occurred.
Abra McDonald is scheduled to appear in court for her arraignment on September 21. This case comes in the wake of Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear’s call to action to protect seniors from abuse and raise awareness about their plight. With nearly 800,000 seniors in Kentucky, the state’s Adult Protective Services Hotline reported almost 20,000 abuse or neglect complaints in 2022. However, only around 8,000 of these incidents turned into full-fledged investigations.
Governor Beshear highlighted the alarming statistic that nearly 1 in 10 people over the age of 60 have experienced abuse, neglect, or exploitation in Kentucky. The tragic case of Karen McDonald’s death underscores the urgent need for increased vigilance and protection of vulnerable seniors in the state.