Authorities in Hialeah have taken Janet Edwards, 49, into custody after accusations surfaced of her neglecting and assaulting her 77-year-old disabled mother, who shared a home with her.
The case, brought to light by Edwards' own children—the victim's grandchildren—has shocked the community due to the appalling conditions in which the elderly woman was found.
Family Report Unveils Alleged Mistreatment
Local media have reported that it was Edwards' children who alerted authorities to the alleged neglect and abuse their grandmother was enduring. This family intervention prompted Hialeah police to arrest Edwards on Tuesday afternoon.
An NBC Miami report cites a police statement in which Edwards' daughter claimed her mother utterly failed to care for the elderly woman, providing photos as evidence that showed the victim “with feces on her hands and consuming them.”
The same witness also recounted instances between August and September where Edwards, in moments of anger and frustration, slapped her mother. Another visitor to the home in May corroborated these conditions, noting that when they requested Edwards to clean her mother, she coldly replied, “No, she will learn because she's always doing this.”
Disturbing Discovery at the Residence
When detectives arrived at the residence, they found the victim's bedroom door locked from the outside. Inside, the elderly woman was lying on an inflatable mattress in a room without electricity, according to the report.
Edwards told officers that her mother suffers from medical and mental issues that render her “unrecognizable to anyone” and admitted witnessing her mother consuming her own feces on five occasions. Edwards expressed frustration with the situation but denied any physical abuse.
The victim has been taken to Palmetto General Hospital for medical evaluation, while Edwards was arrested and is being held at the Hialeah Correctional Center.
During a bail hearing on Wednesday, Judge Mindy Glazer issued a restraining order against Edwards, prohibiting her from coming within 500 feet of her mother or their home. “This is abhorrent,” a state attorney remarked during the hearing, referring to the images included in the arrest report.
Isolation and Family Tensions Over the Years
Neighbors have described the two women as reclusive and unsociable. “They've lived there for about fifteen years. She doesn't get along with either her daughter or son,” one neighbor told Univision.
While the mother remains hospitalized, Hialeah police continue to gather evidence to ascertain the extent of the alleged mistreatment. Local authorities have emphasized that Florida law provides special protection for the elderly and disabled, categorizing neglect as a serious crime.
Janet Edwards now faces criminal charges that could lead to a severe sentence if it's proven that her mother's living conditions were due to deliberate neglect or abuse.
Legal Implications and Community Response
What charges is Janet Edwards facing?
Janet Edwards is facing charges of neglect and assault against her disabled 77-year-old mother, which could result in severe legal consequences if proven in court.
How did the police become aware of the alleged abuse?
The alleged abuse was reported to the authorities by Edwards' own children, who are the victim's grandchildren. They provided evidence of neglect and mistreatment, prompting police intervention.
What actions have been taken against Janet Edwards?
Edwards has been arrested and is currently held at the Hialeah Correctional Center. A restraining order has been issued, preventing her from approaching her mother or their home.