Calgary couple charged with neglect of adult son
Hospital worker notified police after admitting 27-year-old weighing 44 lbs.
The parents of a dependent adult man have been charged with neglect after their son was found near death and weighing just 44 pounds.
On Oct. 24, 2020, the parents of a 27-year-old man found him unresponsive in the bedroom of their Falconridge home and he was taken to hospital by EMS.
It was there that a hospital admissions staffer raised the alarm about parental neglect, said police.
“The victim suffered from a medical condition and was completely dependent on his parents for all his basic needs,” said Staff Sgt. Vincent Hancott with the Calgary Police Service domestic conflict unit.
“It is believed his parents failed to provide him necessary care, progressing to the point where his life was in danger,” he said.
“It was months and months of neglect, based on some of the medical conditions … Obviously, these kinds of files are very heartwrenching.”
The man, who's unable to communicate and whose medical condition made him completely dependent on 24-hour care from his parents, has been recovering in a long-term care facility.
“He's doing well; he's on the road to recovery,” said Hancott.
Police expressed their gratitude to the health-care worker for raising the alarm.
“This is a very serious situation and we commend this individual for recognizing the signs of neglect and contacting police,” said Hancott.
He said police aren't aware of any complaints or concerns raised about the level of care provided by the man's parents before October 2020. While acknowledging the pandemic has increased financial and other challenges for many Calgarians, Hancott said there's no excuse for what police are calling severe neglect.
“Caregivers remain obligated to ensure the proper care of those who are dependent upon them for their safety and well-being. If you're struggling, please reach out and access available resources.”
Charged with failing to provide the necessaries of life and negligence causing bodily harm are Malinda Phillips, 47, and Jonathon Grunewald, 52. The pair, who are not in custody, are to appear in court again on Feb. 4.
On the doorstep of the two-storey home where the 27-year-old lived with his parents, a man told a reporter on an intercom to “please go away.”
In the backyard of the residence, children's toys could be seen.
Neighbours said they knew little of the family, though one recalled seeing police at the residence a few months ago and again on Wednesday, when charges were laid.
“When I saw the police, I was surprised,” said a woman who'd only give her name as Rose.
“Whenever I'd see them, I'd never think anything was bad.”
The episode conjures memories of the case of 15-year-old Alex Radita, who was found dead in his home in May 2013. The teen, who suffered from diabetes, weighed just 37 pounds.
His parents, Rodica and Emil Radita, were convicted of first-degree murder for withholding medical aid in February 2017 in a case that raised concerns about how social services and governments protect such vulnerable people.
Police consultations with Crown prosecutors on the latest case examined previous, similar investigations, said Hancott.
Because the victim isn't able to communicate, police relied on medical records and witnesses in their investigation.
Police are asking anyone with information on this situation to contact them at 403-266-1234 or anonymously at Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-8477.