DNA sought from male workers at facility where patient in vegetative state gave birth
PHOENIX — An Arizona woman in a vegetative state who had a baby after she was sexually assaulted at a long-term care facility is recovering at a hospital along with her child, authorities said Wednesday as they ramped up the search for a suspect in a case that’s made shockwaves.
Commenting for the first time on the investigation since the Dec. 29 birth came to light, Phoenix police said they have not ruled out anyone and are still gathering DNA from all of the facility’s male employees.
“She was not in a position to give consent to any of this,” police spokesman Tommy Thompson said. “So if anyone can understand that, this was a helpless victim who was sexually assaulted.”
He didn’t release the conditions of the woman or her child, who will be taken in by his mother’s family.
The case has drawn outcry from the governor to the San Carlos Apache tribe in southeastern Arizona, of which the 29-year-old victim is an enrolled member, and put the spotlight on the safety of group homes and facilities that care for those who are incapacitated or severely disabled.
“Sadly, one of her caretakers was not to be trusted and took advantage of her. It is my hope that justice will be served,” tribal chairman Terry Rambler said.
Some criticized authorities for not speaking out earlier or calling the case a sexual assault.
Mr. Thompson said investigators initially didn’t want to say anything that could cause a suspect to “go underground or go into hiding.”
Hacienda HealthCare owns the care facility and said it welcomed DNA testing of its male workers.
Authorities served a search warrant Tuesday, a day after the provider’s CEO resigned.
“We will continue to cooperate with Phoenix police and all other investigative agencies to uncover the facts in this deeply disturbing, but unprecedented situation,” the company said in a statement.
Mr. Thompson said police will get a court order if anyone declines to submit DNA.
Local news website Azfamily.com first reported that the woman who was in a vegetative state for more than 10 years after a neardrowning had given birth on Dec. 29.
Police were called that day on a report of a newborn in distress, Mr. Thompson said.
It appears no staff knew about the pregnancy until the birth, he said, adding that anyone who knew but failed to report it could face charges.
A lawyer for the woman’s family said they were outraged at the “neglect of their daughter” and asked for privacy.
“The family would like me to convey that the baby boy has been born into a loving family and will be well cared for,” Phoenix attorney John Micheaels said in a statement.