Montgomery County, PA

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

JUNE 17, 2009

 

 

 

 

         

 

Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman and Hatfield Township Police Chief Mark A. Toomey announce homicide charges of involuntary manslaughter against Alvador Thompson for her role in the death of an elderly resident of the Cambridge-Brightfield Assisted Living Facility.

The charges were brought after an investigation into the October 23, 2008, death of Ronald Meyers, who was a 79 year old resident of Cambridge-Brightfield Assisted Living Facility.  The defendant, Alvador Thompson, was employed as a Resident Assistant and was responsible for providing care for Mr. Myers and other residents who could not care for themselves due to Alzheimer’s or other medical conditions.

After Detectives learned of Mr. Meyer’s death they reviewed medical records and interviewed witnesses. Detectives determined that on October 8, 2008, Thompson was feeding Mr. Myers hot cereal for breakfast.  Thompson put the hot cereal in a cup and started to pour it into Mr. Meyers’ mouth.  The hot cereal was not properly cooled and severely burned Mr. Meyers’ lip, tongue, and the inside of his mouth.  The incident was not immediately reported by Thompson, and Mr. Meyers was not transported to the hospital for several hours.  Mr. Meyers remained in the hospital for three days, and then returned to his home.  Described by family and other resident assistants as always having a hearty appetite, Mr. Meyers stopped eating after receiving the burns in his mouth and throat.  Mr. Meyers died on October 23, 2008.

On June 16, 2009 the defendant waived her preliminary hearing on the charges of Involuntary Manslaughter, Neglect of a Care Dependent Person and related charges before Magisterial District Judge David A. Keightly. Bail was set in the amount of five thousand dollars ($5,000), unsecured.  The defendant’s arraignment is scheduled for August 5, 2009.  Assistant District Attorney Bradford Richman, Captain of the Elder Abuse Unit, will prosecute the case.

 

   Approved for release:

 

   Risa Vetri Ferman