The victim in a recent case of alleged elder abuse and neglect in Oak Grove has died.
An obituary from Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Funeral Home in Clarksville says 70-year old Anthony Wayne Gilstrap, Sr. died Saturday at ContinueCARE Hospital in Madisonville.
Arrest warrants for 43-year old Jacob Gilstrap and 39-year old Ann Harrison of Oak Grove 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.
The victim was taken to a hospital when he became unresponsive and medical staff reported signs of sepsis, gangrene, an open wound to the bone of his leg and numerous pressure ulcers consistent with neglect.
Bilateral leg amputations were necessary, according to the warrant.
The victim was severely malnourished, with medical personnel indicating he had not eaten in several days and a doctor told Oak Grove police that the protein level in his body was ‘undetectable.’
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.
Both suspects are charged with criminal abuse in the first-degree, knowing abuse or neglect of an adult and exploitation of an adult—all felonies.
They are also charged with multiple counts of cruelty to animals for treatment of cats who were also living in filth and neglect on the property.
Their charges could potentially be upgraded with the victim’s death, with Oak Grove police Officer Michael Farrell saying the investigation is ongoing and he’s coordinating with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.
Jacob Gilstrap and Harrison remain lodged in the Christian County Jail on a $100,000 bond.