Lewiston Woman Charged with Felony Neglect of a Vulnerable Adult After Her 72-Year-Old Mother Dies in Her Care

Cindi Williams

LEWISTON - A 37-year-old Lewiston woman has been charged with Neglect of a Vulnerable Adult, a felony, after her 72-year-old mother, who was in her care, died. According to a release from the Nez Perce County Prosecutor's Office, detectives with the Lewiston Police Department began investigating the death and observed injuries common with neglect. 

On Friday, November 11, the Lewiston Fire Department responded to a medical call at a residence in the 3100 block of 7th Street regarding an unconscious 72-year-old woman. Firefighters and medical personnel arrived on scene to find the woman to now be breathing. According to the Nez Perce County Prosecutor's Office, the woman was then transported to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center where she later died. 

The Lewiston Police Department was then notified over concerns regarding the suspicious death, which prompted an investigation. Detectives with the LPD began their investigation where they observed the woman to have injuries common with neglect. 

The release from the Prosecutor's Office states that detectives learned the victim had dried blood/fecal matter on her body, bed sore injuries common with laying in one position without moving, extremely long/curling toe nails, malnourishment, and was covered in dark brown vomit. The doctor tending to the victim also reported finding multiple hygiene dermatitis rashes and skin breakdowns over the victim's entire body, which was worse in the pelvic region and buttocks, and on the left side of her body.

It was then learned that 37-year-old Cindi Williams, of Lewiston, was the sole person taking care of her. According to a Probable Cause affidavit, Ms. Williams was allegedly tending to the care of the victim to include bathing, feeding, and providing care for the last 3-4 years.

While serving a search warrant on the residence, LPD Detectives found the house to be extremely cluttered, littered with assorted clothes, and other property/trash. All detectives wore personal protective equipment because of the unsanitary conditions.

A small white toy poodle was also found huddled on the kitchen floor that was distressed and obviously in poor health. Animal Control responded to the scene and took the dog to the vet for examination.

Detectives then placed Ms. Williams into custody and she was later booked into the Nez Perce County Detention Center.

In court, the Nez Perce County Prosecutor’s Office filed a single felony count of Neglect of a Vulnerable Adult charge against Ms. Williams. The Prosecutor’s Office asked for $20,000 bond because of the nature of the charges and Ms. Williams does not have any prior failure to appear warrants or felony cases. Judge Sunil Ramalingam ordered a $10,000 bond.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges will be considered once an autopsy has been completed.

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Lewiston Woman Charged with Felony Neglect of a Vulnerable Adult After Her 72-Year-Old Mother Dies in Her Care