More Arrests Expected In 12 Deaths At Florida Nursing Home

More arrests are expected in connection with the deaths of a dozen residents at a Florida nursing home, a police spokesman said Tuesday.

The investigation into the deaths of 12 people at the Rehabilitation Center at Hollywood Hills in Hollywood, Florida, remains "ongoing," said Hollywood Police Chief Chris O'Brien.

The residents -- aged from 71 to 99 -- died within days of a power outage due to Hurricane Irma in September 2017.

The Medical Examiner has ruled their deaths "homicides resulting from heat exposure due to environmental issues," according to a police fact sheet.

Police on Tuesday said four people connected to the Rehabilitation Center had been arrested. "The Hollywood Police Department remains diligent in investigating all aspects of this case and additional arrests are anticipated," O'Brien said.

Felony charges

All four defendants appeared in court Tuesday.

Jorge Carballo, the facility administrator, and Sergo Colin, night shift nursing supervisor, were each charged with 12 counts of aggravated manslaughter. A first degree felony, manslaughter occurs when someone causes a death due to negligence and in this case the charge is "aggravated" because the victims were elderly or incapable adults, police said.

The two defendants wore tan jumpsuits and held their hands cuffed in front of them. At one point, Carballo appeared to be wiping tears from his eyes. Carballo and Colin had their bonds set at $90,000 total, $7,500.00 for each count.

Tamika Miller, a licensed practical nurse, faces six counts of aggravated manslaughter and three counts of tampering with evidence in connection with patient medical records, considered a third degree felony. Her bail had not been set early Tuesday.

Althia Meggie, a registered nurse, faces two counts of aggravated manslaughter and two counts of tampering with evidence in connection with patient medical records. Bond for Meggie was set at $17,000.

"The four individual's now facing criminal charges failed to take the actions needed to protect their patients and render aid at a time when they needed it the most," said O'Brien at Tuesday's news conference.




CNN
To read this article in its entirety CLICK HERE.