Elderly Woman Sexually Assaulted By Assisted Living Employee

Mint Hill Police in North Carolina have made an arrest in regards to the sexual assault against 86-year-old Doris Starnes at the nursing home where she resided. WSOCTV reports that police have arrested 43-year-old Willie Shaw, Jr., who was an employee at the Lawyer’s Glen Nursing Home Center.

Doris Starnes was rushed to the hospital on May 14 with what the Lawyer’s Glen staff believed to be internal bleeding. But doctors at a local hospital in Matthews, North Carolina, soon discovered that Starnes had been sexually assaulted, as reported by WCNC.

Starnes died two days later as a result of her injuries sustained during her sexual attack. An investigation revealed that Shaw was responsible for the attack. While officials say the investigation is ongoing, they reveal that the medical examiner has not yet determined the cause of death.

Mint Hill Police called in the State Bureau of Investigations on Thursday, May 28 to help with this sensitive case. It wasn’t long before an arrest was made — the next day, in fact.

Shaw was arrested on May 29 and charged with a first-degree sex offense and placed under a $50,000 bond as he sits in the Mecklenburg County Jail.

Ms. Starnes had lived at the nursing home for four years. Her family told WBTV that she only suffered from mild dementia that came with age. Overall, the family said that she was very alert and was well aware of her surroundings and what was going on around her, making this tragic ordeal even more horrific for the family to endure.

Mark Jetton, the attorney representing Ms. Starnes’ family is in shock that something like this could happen, he tells WBTV.

“When you have a loved one, especially at her age, you want to make sure there’s safety, they’re safe, cared for in an appropriate manner. And for this to occur is devastating to the family.”

Jetton goes on to say that while this has been an “emotional rollercoaster” for the family, they are finally able to feel some peace out of the overwhelming grief knowing that an arrest has been made and that justice will hopefully prevail on behalf of their loved one.

Shaw’s position within the nursing home facility has not yet been released, although Lawyer’s Glen Nursing Home Facility is cooperating with the investigation. WBTV also reveals that there have been no prior reports of any incidents at this nursing home in the past.

[Photo Credit: WSOCTV.com]