Suspects in elder abuse case indicted for murder

by Hannah Hageman

The two people charged in the elder abuse and neglect case have now been indicted for murder by a Christian County Grand Jury.

The indictments against 43-year-old Jacob Gilstrap and 39-year-old Ann Harrison of Oak Grove are for first-degree criminal abuse, knowing abuse/neglect of an adult, knowingly exploiting an adult over $300, eight counts of second-degree cruelty to animals and murder. The victim in the case, 70-year-old Anthony Wayne Gilstrap, died recently at ContinueCARE Hospital in Madisonville, following emergency medical care due to the state of his health.

The indictments allege that while in a caretaker role, they forced Anthony Gilstrap to live alone in deplorable conditions inside a camper outside of their Timberline Circle home between March 1 and July 10. Medical staff reported signs of sepsis, gangrene, an open wound to the bone of the victim’s leg and numerous pressure ulcers consistent with neglect. Bilateral leg amputations were necessary, according to the warrant.

Jacob Gilstrap and Harrison were in charge of the victim’s finances and bank staff confirmed to police that the victim’s account was overdrawn every month until his social security check was deposited. In addition to a monthly withdrawal to pay for the college dorm of Harrison’s son, there was a monthly electronic transaction for a life insurance policy on the victim.

The couple sold the victim’s home sometime early last year for $135,000 and used the money to buy a Jaguar sports car for Harrison and the camper that they moved to their home.

The grand jury also indicted 31-year old James Fourqurean of Hopkinsville with first-degree assault, alleging that on March 1 of this year he worked with another suspect and assaulted a woman with a bat while she was asleep. The victim required 11 staples to her head, according to the warrant.

Indicted for first-degree sexual abuse is 27-year-old Mikayvion Merritt of Hopkinsville—he allegedly made forcible sexual contact with the victim in November of 2021.

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Suspects in elder abuse case indicted for murder