Severely Neglected Senior Covered in Bedsores and Fecal Matter Found in Oak Lawn Apartment: Cops

Thomas Bartley, 67 | Oak Lawn Police Department

Oak Lawn, IL, May 11, 2016 -- Oak Lawn police found an elderly woman covered in fecal matter and bedsores during a well being check Tuesday afternoon in an apartment that she shared with her cousin, prosecutors said in court.

The cousin, Thomas Bartley, 67, appeared before Cook County Judge Peter Felice on a felony charge of criminal abuse or neglect of an elderly person.

According to the charges, a dentist contacted Oak Lawn police after the 76-year-old woman had missed several appointments. When officers arrived at the woman’s home around 4:50 p.m.Tuesday, they were greeted at the door by her cousin.

Bartley told police his cousin was sleeping. He later changed his story to say she was busy eating, the prosecutor said.

Officers said they noticed an extremely foul odor coming from the apartment. The door was opened further to reveal an elderly woman sitting in a chair covered in fecal matter that adhered to her skin.

According to police, the apartment was infested with bugs. The woman’s bed and bedroom were also caked with fecal matter and soaked in urine.

Oak Lawn paramedics were summoned, who took the elderly woman to Advocate Christ Medical Center. There, staff discovered her body to be covered with bedsores, requiring her clothing had to be cut away, the prosecutor said.

During treatment, doctors told police they found maggots infesting a sore on the woman’s leg. Medical staff stated the woman suffered one of the worst cases of malnourishment the hospital had ever seen.

Doctors are conducting a blood panel to further determine the woman’s medical condition, the prosecutor said.

Bartley allegedly made “numerous admissions” to police of neglecting his cousin for “almost a year.”

The prosecutor said Bartley has no prior criminal background.

The assistant public defender told the judge Bartley is a retired accountant. He and his cousin have lived in the apartment for nine years.

“It’s unconscionable for a human being to treat another human being this way, presuming he is innocent,” Judge Felice said. “In fact, it’s disgusting.”

Bail was set at $100,000. Judge Felice also ordered Bartley to have no contact with his cousin.

“He needs to find another place to live before he kills her,” the judge said.

Bartley’s next court hearing is June 8 in Bridgeview.