Home Health Aide Accused of Ignoring Elderly Man's Fall, Leading to His Death, Say Police: 'He Was Old Anyway'

Mar. 15, 2025

Beatrice Taylor.Photo:Polk County Sheriff’s Office

Beatrice Taylor

Polk County Sheriff’s Office

A Florida home health care aide has been arrested after an 86-year-old male patient died while under her care.

Beatrice Taylor, 25, is facing one count of aggravated manslaughter of an elderly person in connection with the death of the patient who died at his Winter Haven home on Aug. 15, per apress releasefrom the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

According to authorities, the victim’s family hired a home healthcare company to take care of the victim who had been diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

Taylor was tasked with caring for the patient overnight at the home he shared with his wife. According to authorities, Taylor’s shift began at 9 p.m. local time and she “immediately fell asleep” on the couch in the living room, which was not allowed while she was on shift, the press release stated.

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She allegedly checked on the elderly man and found him lying on the floor, with his head wedged between the nightstand and the bed. However, when she tried to put him back into bed, he told her not to touch him, she said, the release noted.

An autopsy later determined that the victim died from positional asphyxia with contributing factors of pre-existing health issues.

Police said Taylor allegedly made several statements after her arrest, including claiming that she “didn’t kill that man,” according to the press release.

According to the sheriff’s office, Taylor was arrested on Thursday, Sept. 26, and her company fired her after the incident. She is currently being held without bail.

An arraignment hearing is scheduled for Oct. 29. It is unclear if she has entered a plea as of the time of publication. PEOPLE attempted to contact Taylor’s attorneys, but they could not be reached for comment.

source: people.com