Neighbors shocked by news of deadly abuse case
Details are emerging about the disturbing conditions a young Chesterfield County woman with cerebral palsy was allegedly forced to live in up until her death in late March.
Tina Curtis of Chesterfield has been charged with the abuse and neglect of 24-year-old Secrett Curtis, who had cerebral palsy and autism. Records show that Tina was Secrett’s primary caregiver and her power of attorney.
According to court records obtained by 8News, Secrett was found malnourished — weighing just 76 pounds at the time of her death at Chippenham Hospital on March 31.
“I had no idea,” one neighbor said, reacting to the news.
Neighbors said Tina Curtis had lived in the home for at least ten years and she was often seen as friendly and helpful. However, they did not know Secrett existed.
“She was always kind — her character was good as far as I could see,” said a neighbor who wished to remain anonymous.
Behind the walls of the home, investigators allege a much darker reality. Court documents detail that Secrett “[ate] her own feces, live[d] in a mold-infested basement and [was] kept in a locked room” prior to her death.
https://www.wric.com/news/local-news/chesterfield-county/disturbing-details-alleged-abuse-woman-cerebral-palsy/
This is very similar to a case I encountered the day I worked in the ER in Morristown, TN. That one is still seared into my memory. Ask me about it if you really want to know.