Friday, June 25, 2010

In California, caretaker accused of killing elderly wheelchair user

From The Associated Press:


PLEASANT HILL, Calif. — A live-in caretaker is accused of killing her 70-year-old client in Pleasant Hill who was confined to a wheelchair.

Diane Warrick was arrested June 24 at a mobile home near Martinez, where the victim's mini-van was parked outside.

Police say Mary Scanlon was found dead in her home Wednesday afternoon by a neighbor. They say she suffered blunt force injuries, but an autopsy will determine the exact cause of death.

In 1997, Warrick was involved in a shootout with police at a Napa mental hospital after she stormed the hospital with two handguns, took hostages and demanded prescription drugs.

Warrick was charged with attempted murder and kidnapping but later found not guilty by reason of insanity. She was committed to a mental hospital and released in 2000.