84-Year-Old Dies From Neglect: Daughter, Grandson Convicted
An 84-year-old woman in East Tyrol has died from dehydration after being neglected by her daughter and grandson. The defendants, a 59-year-old woman and her 31-year-old son, have been convicted of neglect and fined by the Innsbruck Regional Court. The elderly woman was found lying on her kitchen floor, covered in her own waste, and had been there for a week without proper care. She ultimately died due to dehydration. The potential penalty for such an offense ranged from one to ten years in prison. The defendants pleaded 'not guilty', claiming that their mother had no will to live and refused their assistance. However, the prosecutor described the hygienic conditions as extreme, with the woman having feces on her body and hands. The non-final ruling imposed five-month suspended sentences and fines on both defendants, with the daughter fined €960 and the grandson €1,200. The defense attorney argued that the defendants cared for their mother to the best of their ability and fulfilled her wishes. However, the court found them guilty of neglect, highlighting the importance of adequate care for vulnerable individuals.
