MARION, OH (MARION COUNTY NOW)—Marion County Prosecutor Ray Grogan announced the conclusion of a tragic elder neglect case that led to the death of a 68-year-old woman in Marion. The last of three co-defendants, Amanda Swartz, pled guilty last week to Involuntary Manslaughter, a first-degree felony, marking a significant milestone in this distressing case.
From December 1, 2022, to April 4, 2023, the victim, a resident of Tyler Street in Marion, suffered from extreme malnutrition and neglect under the care of her two children and another individual. Joel Andrick, the victim’s son, and Reginald Burlile, the live-in boyfriend of her daughter, both pled guilty to Reckless Homicide, a third-degree felony.
The victim was found in a horrifying state, malnourished and weighing only 84 pounds, with no food in her stomach or intestines at the time of her autopsy. She suffered from large bedsores, infested with live insects, leading to sepsis, which was determined to be the cause of her death.
“These guilty pleas underscore the seriousness with which our community treats the care of its most vulnerable members,” said Prosecutor Grogan. “The conditions in which this elderly woman was forced to live are horrifying, and the guilty pleas reflect our resolve to hold those responsible accountable.”
Joel Andrick has already been sentenced to two years in prison for his role in the neglect. Sentencing for Reginald Burlile and Amanda Swartz is scheduled for later dates. Assistant Prosecutor Chuck Hall worked the case under Grogan’s supervision, ensuring that justice was served in this grievous case.
“This case is a heart-wrenching reminder of the responsibilities we hold towards our elderly and dependent family members,” Grogan added. “Our office is dedicated to pursuing justice for all victims of abuse and neglect, ensuring that such heinous acts do not go unpunished.”
The Marion County Prosecutor’s Office remains committed to protecting the rights and dignity of all citizens, especially the most vulnerable, and continues to work diligently to prevent and prosecute cases of elder abuse and neglect.