An Indiana man was arrested following the death of a family member. R. Halton, 51, is facing a preliminary allegation of neglect of a dependent, a serious crime under Indiana law that punishes deliberately placing a dependent in a circumstance that endangers their life or health.
Neglecting a dependent and causing death is a Level 1 felony, according to Indiana Code § 35-46-1-4. The act is intended to safeguard dependents, notably the elderly, who rely on caretakers for their well-being. ​
The investigation began after emergency personnel were called to the family’s home, where they discovered the elderly mother, Sanndra, had died. According to court filings, she seemed malnourished and exhibited symptoms consistent with extended neglect. An autopsy established malnutrition as the cause of death, citing the lack of solid meals in her digestive tract.
The 51-year-old told officers that he had tried to convince his parent to eat and drink before assisting her into bed about 6 p.m. the night before her death. He reportedly stated that he meant to take her to the hospital the next morning. When asked about the absence of medical follow-up, they allegedly responded that “they had not called.”
Further investigation revealed that he had told a family member to keep the woman’s death a secret. This relative voiced confusion about the man’s unwillingness to seek assistance, adding that he did not have to care for the woman alone. The relative questioned why he did not seek help, stating that he was not expected to care for the woman alone.
Investigators eventually discovered that the victim and her family member had not contacted her doctor since February. At the time, the doctor saw that the woman was underweight and anemic, weighing slightly more than one hundred pounds. Court documents show that when the doctor examined the victim’s corpse following her death, he saw a considerable deterioration since their previous appointment in February.
This case highlights the crucial relevance of caregiver responsibility and the legal requirements to guarantee dependents’ health and safety. The investigation is still ongoing, and additional charges may be considered when new information becomes available.
Authorities in Indiana advise anyone in charge of caring for vulnerable people to seek help when necessary and to be aware of the options available to help with caregiving responsibilities. ​
