Hunter
12/23/20
An Iowa City woman has been arrested after police say her neglect led to the death of an adult dependent.
According to the arrest report, 54-year-old Tara Edwards of Apollo Place identified herself as the primary caregiver of the victim since 2014. The woman was72, and suffered from mental and physical ailments that made her unable to care for herself. Edwards reportedly was trained and previously licensed as a nurse.
The woman was found deceased on the evening of February 14th of this year.
A pathologist with the Medical Examiner’s office determined that the manner of the woman’s death was homicide. Investigators discovered alleged neglect on Edwards’ part, including failure to fill and provide medications, failure to take the woman to her medical appointments, and failure to provide the woman with proper nutrtition. These reported inactions on Edwards’ part led to the woman’s emaciation, undernutrition, and significant weight loss that contributed to her death.
A warrant for Edwards’ arrest was issued on December 17th. She was booked into the Johnson County Jail at 12:30 Wednesday morning, charged with Dependent Adult Abuse causing Intentional Serious Injury. If convicted, she could be sentenced to up to ten years in prison.