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Woman Dies, Son Accused Of Neglect

Last updated on Saturday, July 6, 2013

(TERRE HAUTE) - A veteran police detective is working one of the worst cases of neglect he says he has ever seen.

WTHI reports, neglect cases typically center on children but this case centers on the death of the suspect's elderly mother.

Paul Hostetler is charged with neglect and non-support of a parent. He lived with his mother, Dorothy Hostetler, at her Boston Avenue home in Terre Towne.

Hostetler called police and the coroner's office after this mother had passed away early Tuesday morning.

But police report there were problems with Hostetler's story of what happened and when it happened.

Preliminary autopsy results show Dorothy Hostetler died of malnutrition, dehydration, and severe bed sores.

Police and prosecutor's say if you are caring for your parents, the law requires you to get them what they need.

Three years ago, Paul Hostetler removed his mother from the Royal Oaks Healthcare Facility.

"If you place someone that you are responsible for in a situation where it endangers their life then it is neglect of a dependent, a class B felony," said Vigo County Prosecutor, Terry Modesitt.

Adult protective services spoke to Dorothy Hostetler on November 28th, 2011. She was in good health, had no ulcers, was able to converse, and walk on her own.

Now she's dead and her son is behind bars awaiting his next hearing set for later this month

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