Tecumseh, MO. – A woman from Ozark County is facing felony charges after an investigation revealed serious abuse of a disabled individual.
This case appears to stretch back to March of this year, but filing for this case is listed as October 14th. According to the probable cause statement on the case, a 37-year-old victim from Tecumseh was admitted into Ozarks Healthcare in West Plains for a reported fall. Medical staff noticed a sizable decrease in the victim’s weight, numerous bruises, and tissue missing from their upper lip.
The paid caregiver in attendance, Patricia Santos Duvalier, 57 of Dora, MO, reported the victim as having fallen and gave conflicting statements while being interviewed. Lastly, in interactions with the victim, they had voiced a request for help from healthcare staff and were in a state of fear.
Due to the extreme nature of the injuries of the victim and the mounting evidence, Santos Duvalier was taken into custody, and is now facing charges of 1st Degree Assault – Serious Physical Injury or Special Victim, and Abuse of an Elderly, Disabled, or Vulnerable Person.
